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.
Carry Over
Labor; creating the Civil Liability for Employers Hiring Ex-Offenders Act; prohibiting causes of actions against certain entities; effective date.
Firearms; clarifying preemption provision and certain mandate; specifying circumstances that authorize the filing of civil actions against certain persons or entities. Effective date.
Hospitals; prohibiting hospitals from taking certain collection actions against patients if not in compliance with certain transparency laws. Effective date.
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.
Preventive treatment, requests for reconsideration of claim decisions issued by the organization, providing employer account information, calculation of an employer's premium and creating a presumption of accuracy, an employer conducting business with a known uninsured employer, requests for reconsideration of employer decisions issued by the organization, and privacy of records; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide for application.