Labor & Employment

HB 2168 would have prohibited Oklahoma public agencies from including terms in construction contracts for public projects (like roads or buildings) that require or discourage union agreements, or discriminate based on a contractor’s union status. It specifically banned language in bid specifications that forced contractors to join unions or treated union-affiliated bidders differently. The bill applied to all public improvement projects funded by the state, affecting both agencies issuing contracts and the contractors bidding on them. However, the bill failed in committee on April 8, 2025, and did not become law.

HB 1769 modifies Oklahoma school district health insurance benefits for employees. It sets minimum monthly flexible benefit allowances: $69.71 for certified staff (like teachers) and $189.69 for support staff (like aides) if they opt out of the district’s health plan. Employees who don’t use their full allowance to cover health benefits receive the excess as taxable cash payments. The bill requires annual enrollment between November 1 and December 15, with specific rules for mid-year terminations and unused allowances.

HB 1836 amends Oklahoma law to define key terms for the State Use Program, which governs state procurement from organizations employing people with significant disabilities. It specifies that qualified nonprofits must employ at least 50% people with significant disabilities (including blind individuals) in direct production work, and defines terms like "manufactured," "processed," and "assembled" for procurement purposes. The bill establishes a "Central nonprofit agency" (CNA) to oversee the program, with the Office of Management and Enterprise Services approving the procurement schedule. It takes effect on November 1, 2025, directly affecting state agencies purchasing goods/services from participating disability-focused nonprofits.

HB 2086, the Oklahoma Earned Wage Access Services Act, proposes regulations for companies that allow workers to access earned but unpaid wages before their regular payday. It directly affects Oklahoma workers (defined as residents) and providers of these services, such as apps or employers offering early wage access. Key provisions require providers to clearly disclose all fees, offer at least one free access option, allow easy cancellation without fees, protect consumer data, and handle tips as voluntary. The bill also prohibits sharing employment data without consent and mandates compliance with federal electronic fund transfer laws. This legislation is currently pending in the Oklahoma House Business Committee.