Oklahoma House Bill HB3298

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Public finance; requiring Human Capital Management Division investigate certain state agencies; effective date.

Impact

If enacted, HB3298 could significantly reshape how state employee disciplinary actions are handled. The bill stipulates that employees can lodge complaints against disciplinary measures taken by their agencies and provides guided protocols for resolution, thereby establishing a formal structure for conflict resolution among state employees. Through quarterly reporting requirements, the bill seeks to hold agencies accountable for their disciplinary actions and the volume of claims filed against them.

Summary

House Bill 3298 proposes amendments to the Civil Service and Human Capital Modernization Act, specifically targeting the workings of the Human Capital Management Division within the Office of Management and Enterprise Services. The bill mandates the establishment of various procedural frameworks, such as a State Employee Dispute Resolution Program aimed at resolving employee disputes through alternative means, including mediation. It also requires the Division to investigate state agencies with a high volume of complaints, thus promoting accountability and transparency in state employment practices.

Contention

There may be points of contention among legislators regarding the scope of this bill. Proponents may argue that it is a necessary step towards improving employee morale and workplace fairness within state agencies. However, opponents might raise concerns about potential increased bureaucracy or argue that it could complicate the existing human resources structures. Additionally, there is a notable exclusion of various officials and appointees from the bill’s purview, which may lead to criticism about equitable treatment among state employees.