Oklahoma Senate Bill SB158

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

State employees; increasing maximum number of full-time-equivalent employees for certain board. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The immediate effect of SB158 on state law will be to increase the capacity of the State Board of Licensed Social Workers, allowing it to better meet the needs of the population it serves. By increasing the allotment of full-time-equivalent positions, the bill is expected to enhance the board's efficiency in addressing social welfare issues and expand its capabilities in overseeing licensed professionals. The bill reflects an acknowledgment of the increasing demand for mental health and social services in Oklahoma.

Summary

Senate Bill 158 (SB158) aims to amend Oklahoma’s statute concerning the authorized number of full-time-equivalent employees within various state boards, specifically increasing the number allocated to the State Board of Licensed Social Workers from 10 to 12. This amendment to Section 3601.1 of Title 74 not only expands the workforce within this board but also highlights the growing demand for licensed social workers in response to societal needs. The effective date of the bill is set for July 1, 2023, and it declares an emergency to ensure immediate implementation upon passage.

Contention

While the bill is likely to gain support among advocates for social services, there could be contention regarding the state's broader budgeting priorities, as additional workforce positions may come under scrutiny from critics concerned about state expenditures. Some legislators may argue against increasing the number of state employees without adequate assessments of budgetary impact and long-term sustainability. This bill is a step toward responding to urgent social services needs, but it may invite debate on the impact of workforce expansion across state agencies.