Labor & Employment (Labor Standards)

SB 35 increases Oklahoma's minimum wage to $15.00 per hour or the current federal minimum wage, whichever is higher, for all covered hourly workers in the state. This change directly affects most private-sector employees in Oklahoma who are currently paid below $15 per hour. The bill amends the Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act to update the statutory rate and sets the effective date for November 1, 2025. It does not include exemptions for small businesses or other adjustments beyond the wage rate itself.

SB 1268 raises Oklahoma's minimum wage to $13.00 per hour, with an additional $0.50 increase each year for five years after the law takes effect. This bill directly affects all employers in Oklahoma who pay hourly wages, particularly low-wage workers in the state. The policy change updates the existing Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act to provide a phased, multi-year increase rather than a single adjustment. The law becomes effective after its passage, setting a new baseline wage that gradually rises over time.

HB 1963, the Oklahoma Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, would require most Oklahoma employers to provide paid sick leave to employees. Employees would earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, with small businesses (under 20 employees) limited to 40 hours annually and other employers required to provide up to 56 hours. The leave can be used for personal or family health needs, including care for covered family members as defined in the bill. Employers with existing paid leave policies meeting these standards would not need to provide additional sick time.

HB 2086, the Oklahoma Earned Wage Access Services Act, proposes regulations for companies that allow workers to access earned but unpaid wages before their regular payday. It directly affects Oklahoma workers (defined as residents) and providers of these services, such as apps or employers offering early wage access. Key provisions require providers to clearly disclose all fees, offer at least one free access option, allow easy cancellation without fees, protect consumer data, and handle tips as voluntary. The bill also prohibits sharing employment data without consent and mandates compliance with federal electronic fund transfer laws. This legislation is currently pending in the Oklahoma House Business Committee.