Oklahoma House Bill HB1943

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

State government; establishing volunteer administrative leave for employees; effective date.

Impact

The implementation of HB1943 is expected to positively influence charitable organizations and public education initiatives within Oklahoma by fostering a culture of community service among state employees. By allowing structured volunteer time, the bill may also enhance employee morale and job satisfaction as state workers feel they are contributing positively to society. However, the bill specifies that the volunteer leave cannot be compensated or used alongside other types of leave, which clarifies the intention to maintain the integrity of standard working hours.

Summary

House Bill 1943 introduces the concept of volunteer administrative leave for state employees in Oklahoma, allowing them to donate a portion of their working hours to charitable organizations or public schools. Eligible employees can contribute up to four hours of labor per year, with the requirement of prior approval from their department managers or agency directors. The bill aims at enhancing community service by providing a formal structure for state employees to engage in volunteer activities during their work hours.

Contention

Notably, the bill outlines specific eligibility criteria for organizations that employees may volunteer for, including a prohibition against supporting any entity that discriminates based on protected characteristics. This provision has potential implications for discussions regarding inclusivity and equal opportunity within state-supported efforts. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding the workload and approval process for volunteer leave requests, particularly in times of staffing shortages within state agencies, which could limit employees' ability to utilize this benefit.