Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB2481

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/7/23  
Refer
2/14/23  

Caption

Labor; creating the Civil Liability for Employers Hiring Ex-Offenders Act; prohibiting causes of actions against certain entities; effective date.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2481 will amend existing state laws related to employment liability for businesses in Oklahoma. Specifically, it prohibits any cause of action against employers for hiring ex-offenders, thus discouraging discrimination against these individuals based solely on their past convictions. It allows for legal actions only in situations where the employer had prior knowledge of a conviction that is directly related to the job responsibilities or if the employer exhibited gross negligence in their hiring practices. This shift in liability aims to balance encouraging employer opportunities while still addressing legitimate concerns regarding workplace safety and conduct.

Summary

House Bill 2481 introduces the 'Civil Liability for Employers Hiring Ex-Offenders Act,' designed to provide legal protections for employers who hire individuals with nonviolent, non-sexual criminal convictions. The primary focus of the bill is to prevent legal actions against employers solely based on the hiring of such ex-offenders, thereby fostering a more inclusive environment for workforce reintegration. By doing so, the legislation aims to alleviate the barriers that ex-offenders face when seeking employment, which is often compounded by their criminal records.

Contention

The bill has generated a range of responses. Supporters advocate for the bill as a necessary step toward reducing recidivism by allowing ex-offenders to reintegrate into society, enhancing their chances of securing stable employment. However, detractors raise concerns about potential risks linked to hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds, particularly in positions of trust or safety. They argue that while it may provide opportunities, it could inadvertently expose businesses to risks that could compromise workplace safety or integrity, especially in roles that require a high level of trust. The discussion around these points indicates a complex balancing act between fostering rehabilitation and maintaining workplace safety.

Companion Bills

OK HB2481

Carry Over Labor; creating the Civil Liability for Employers Hiring Ex-Offenders Act; prohibiting causes of actions against certain entities; effective date.

Previously Filed As

OK HB2481

Labor; creating the Civil Liability for Employers Hiring Ex-Offenders Act; prohibiting causes of actions against certain entities; effective date.

OK HB2647

Firearms; prohibiting the filing of civil actions or special proceedings under certain circumstances; effective date.

OK SB1077

Discriminatory practices; making certain individuals protected against certain hiring practices. Effective date.

OK SB918

Firearms; clarifying preemption provision and certain mandate; specifying circumstances that authorize the filing of civil actions against certain persons or entities. Effective date.

OK SB695

Firearms; lawsuits against manufacturers; prohibiting certain action. Effective date.

OK HB2345

Criminal procedure; removing polygraph examination requirement for certain offenders; effective date.

OK SB823

Firearms; removing certain prohibition; prohibiting certain policy or rule. Effective date.

OK SB732

Hospitals; prohibiting hospitals from taking certain collection actions against patients if not in compliance with certain transparency laws. Effective date.

OK SB617

Venue; clarifying proper venue for actions against limited liability companies. Effective date.

OK SB593

Motor vehicles; prohibiting manufacturer from denying a claim or implementing chargeback against auto dealer for failure of purchaser of new car to comply with title and registration law. Effective date.

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