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 Department of Labor is responsible for determining benefit amounts, administering the program, and managing the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund, which is financed through payroll contributions from both employers and employees. The Act also includes protections against employer retaliation for utilizing benefits and mandates that employers inform employees of their rights under the law.
Additionally, the bill allows for intermittent or reduced schedule leave, requiring individuals to provide prior notice and make reasonable efforts to minimize disruption to their employer's operations. It ensures job restoration upon return from leave and maintains health care benefits during the leave period. The legislation prohibits employer interference with employees' rights and outlines penalties for non-compliance. It also includes provisions for self-employed individuals to elect coverage, establishes a system for appeals regarding claims, and mandates the Department of Labor to create educational materials and submit annual reports on the program's effectiveness. The Act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025, and aims to integrate these benefits with existing state policies and programs.