The Oklahoma State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act establishes a comprehensive framework for providing paid family and medical leave benefits to covered individuals, including employees and self-employed persons who opt for coverage. Under this Act, individuals can take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for various qualifying reasons, such as caring for a new child or a family member with a serious health condition. The Act outlines employer responsibilities, including maintaining existing obligations, notifying employees, and contributing to a designated Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund. The Department of Labor will administer the program, determine benefit amounts, and establish contribution rates, while also protecting individuals from employer retaliation for utilizing their benefits.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions for intermittent leave, job restoration rights, and the continuation of health care benefits during the leave period. It mandates that employers provide written notice of employee rights and prohibits counting paid leave against absence control policies. The Department of Labor is also responsible for ensuring confidentiality of personal information and processing claims. The Act emphasizes that individuals should not be required to exhaust other leave options before accessing family and medical leave insurance benefits. It is set to take effect on November 1, 2025, and includes provisions for annual reporting and public education on the program's implementation and effectiveness.