HB 1345 Summary

• Adds definitions for "sexual orientation" and "gender identity or expression" to Oklahoma employment discrimination law, where sexual orientation includes heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality and gender identity means gender-related identity, appearance, expression or behavior regardless of assigned sex at birth.

• Expands protected classes in employment discrimination prohibitions to include sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, making it illegal for employers to fail to hire, discharge, or discriminate against individuals based on these characteristics.

• Clarifies that "sex" includes pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, requiring pregnant women be treated the same as other employees with comparable work ability.

• Defines "genetic information" as information derived from genetic tests, explicitly excluding family history, routine physical examinations, drug tests, HIV tests, and other commonly accepted clinical tests.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2015.