Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB4397

Introduced
2/7/22  
Refer
2/8/22  

Caption

Employers and employees; paid leave; regulations; effective date.

Impact

This legislation would significantly alter existing employment regulations in the state by codifying the right to paid leave for specific personal health events. Employers, defined as those with five or more employees working in commerce or government bodies, would be required to accommodate this leave policy into their operational procedures. The act reflects a growing recognition of the emotional and physical toll of fertility-related issues and may influence workplace culture towards more supportive environments for affected employees.

Summary

House Bill 4397, introduced by Representative Pittman, seeks to establish a framework for paid leave in Oklahoma, specifically addressing the needs surrounding pregnancy and fertility issues. The bill mandates that employers provide a minimum of twenty-four hours of paid leave annually for employees who experience pregnancy loss, unsuccessful assisted reproductive procedures, failed adoptions, or other fertility-related circumstances. This leave is designed to support not only the affected employees but also their partners during distressing times.

Contention

While supporters of HB 4397 argue it is a much-needed step towards recognizing the emotional and psychological impacts of reproductive health challenges, opponents may raise concerns about the financial implications for small businesses. Moreover, the requirement that leave must be granted without necessitating employee replacement could pose operational challenges for employers, a point often highlighted in debates over similar legislation. The discussion surrounding the bill also touches on broader themes of women's rights, employee protections, and the role of state regulation in family matters.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB87

Paid leave for state employees; providing paid parental leave for certain state employees. Effective date.

OK S839

State Employees/Give Leave for Pregnancy Loss

OK SB1121

Education employees; entitling certain employees to certain amount of paid maternity leave. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB1121

Education employees; entitling certain employees to certain amount of paid maternity leave. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB16

Paid leave for employees; providing certain state employees to receive paid maternity leave; providing protections for certain employees. Effective date.

OK SB364

School employees; entitling certain employees to certain amount of paid maternity leave. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB364

School employees; entitling certain employees to certain amount of paid maternity leave. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB703

School employees; entitling certain employees to certain amount of paid maternity leave. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB3272

Schools; paid maternity leave; providing paid maternity leave for employees adopting newborns; effective date; emergency.

OK SB848

Employment: leave for reproductive loss.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.