Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1355

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/6/24

Caption

State employees; requiring certain state agency to compile certain data from state employees. Effective date.

Impact

The legislation requires this demographic data to be publicly reported annually by December 31, starting in 2025. This accountability measure is expected to provide more insight into workforce diversity within state agencies, potentially influencing future hiring practices and policies aimed at rectifying historical imbalances. By offering a clearer representation of state employees who descend from enslaved individuals, the bill aims to inform policymakers about demographic disparities and encourage efforts towards equity in the workplace.

Summary

Senate Bill 1355, introduced by Senator Young, aims to improve transparency and data collection relating to state employees in Oklahoma. The bill mandates the Office of Management and Enterprise Services to compile and maintain demographic data specifically for state employees who are descendants of persons enslaved in the United States. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address historical inequalities and enhance representation within state employment. The compilation of this data will focus on lineage history while ensuring that the disclosure of such information remains optional for employees, allowing for personal privacy whilst contributing to the overall data pool.

Contention

While the bill promotes transparency and inclusivity, it may also raise concerns regarding the implications of collecting and publicly disclosing such personal data. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step to acknowledge and address systemic discrimination, while opponents may fear that tracking such demographic information could lead to stigmatization or misuse of data. Critics may also question the effectiveness of the measure in actually improving conditions for descendants of enslaved individuals, while supporters will advocate for the importance of data in driving social reforms.