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Bill

SB 277

Paid leave; creating the Oklahoma State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act; providing for eligibility and duration of benefits; specifying qualifications. Effective date.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jo Anna Dossett

Oklahoma proposes creating a state paid family and medical leave insurance program to provide wage replacement benefits for eligible workers during caregiving and medical absences.

Second Reading referred to Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism Committee then to Appropriations Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 277

Legislative bill overview

SB 277 proposes creating Oklahoma's first state-mandated paid family and medical leave insurance program. The bill would establish eligibility requirements and benefit duration for workers needing time off for family care, medical conditions, or related purposes, with specifics to be detailed in the full legislation.

Why is this important

Currently, Oklahoma has no state-paid family or medical leave program, making it one of fewer than half of U.S. states with such protections. This would affect how workers balance employment with caregiving responsibilities and medical needs, potentially impacting workforce participation, business operations, and family economic security across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism: How the program will be financed (employee payroll deductions, employer contributions, general revenue, or combination) remains unclear and will be contentious between labor, business, and fiscal groups
  • Cost to employers and employees: Businesses may oppose mandatory contributions or administrative burdens, while workers may resist payroll deductions; cost estimates are unavailable at this early stage
  • Benefit scope and duration: Disagreement likely over which circumstances qualify, how long benefits last, and replacement wage percentages—balancing adequacy against program affordability

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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