Prisons and reformatories; providing salary increase for certain employees of the Department of Corrections; codification; effective date; emergency.
Impact
The bill's implementation will directly enhance the financial compensation of probation and parole officers, which may improve staff retention and job satisfaction within the Department of Corrections. By setting a clear salary increase, the state indicates its commitment to supporting the personnel responsible for the oversight and rehabilitation of individuals on probation and parole, potentially leading to better outcomes for these populations. Furthermore, since it establishes a codification of this increase into state law, it signifies the legislative branch's recognition of the importance of these services.
Summary
House Bill 1645 aims to provide a salary increase for certain employees of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, specifically targeting probation and parole officers. The bill proposes an increase of up to two dollars per hour for these employees, aimed at improving their compensation in light of their critical role in managing public safety and corrections. This increase will apply to personnel employed on the last working day of June 2021, effectively rewarding those who have committed their services to this vital sector of the state's workforce.
Contention
Although the specific discussions around the bill's introduction or debate are not detailed in the provided documents, such salary increases might generate opposition or concern from budget-conscious legislators or sectors arguing that funding for such increases could impact other state services. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding the sustainability of these raises in future budgetary cycles, particularly if the Department of Corrections does not see a proportional increase in funding or resources to support these changes.
Voting_history
The bill was reviewed by the House Appropriations and Budget Public Safety Subcommittee and received a unanimous 'Do Pass' recommendation, passing with a vote of 7 yeas to 0 nays on February 8, 2021. This favorable vote suggests bipartisan support for measures aimed at improving the conditions of state employees within the corrections system.
Department of Corrections; providing a permanent hazardous duty pay increase to certain employees of the Department of Corrections; effective date; emergency.
Prisons and reformatories; directing salary to be established by the Department of Corrections Correctional Teacher Pay Scale based on credentials and experience; effective date.