Oklahoma Senate Bill SB424

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Call centers; requiring call centers to notify Insurance Department of certain plans to terminate. Effective date.

Impact

The bill imposes civil penalties for non-compliance with these notification requirements, setting fines at up to $10,000 per day for each violation. The Oklahoma Insurance Department will maintain a public list of companies that have terminated or relocated call center jobs, which will aid consumers in making informed decisions about which businesses to patronize. This law indicates a commitment to keeping more customer service roles within the state and possibly discouraging out-of-state relocation of jobs.

Summary

Senate Bill 424 introduces a series of regulations concerning call centers operating within the state, particularly addressing the notification requirements of these businesses when they plan to terminate or relocate call center employee positions. The bill mandates that any call center planning to reduce their workforce must notify the Oklahoma Insurance Department at least 120 days in advance. This provision is aimed at ensuring transparency and protecting employment within the state, with potential implications for economic stability and job security for residents.

Contention

While the bill aims to protect jobs, it may also face pushback from businesses concerned about the burden of compliance with the new regulations. Critics argue that forcing companies to provide lengthy notices for job relocations could impede their operational flexibility, potentially pushing some companies to consider relocating outside of Oklahoma altogether. The debate around this bill highlights the tension between job protection measures and the economic realities of running a call center, especially in a competitive global market.