State government; maternity leave; state employees; effective date.

HB 3965 requires Oklahoma state agencies to provide full-time employees with two or more years of service with six weeks of paid maternity leave following the birth or adoption of a child. This leave is in addition to existing pregnancy-related sick leave and must be paid at the employee’s full annual salary without interrupting seniority, pay progression, or performance awards. The bill applies to all state employees meeting the tenure requirement and becomes effective January 1, 2027. It does not replace current sick leave policies but adds this specific paid leave benefit.