Senate Bill 209 Summary

• Amends 44 O.S. 2011, Section 208 to prohibit discrimination against members of the National Guard and armed forces from other states, including reserve components and state militia, in public places and entertainment venues.

• Expands employment protections to prevent employers from discharging or hindering service members from performing military duties, applying to state agencies and private employers.

• Adopts the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003 (SCRA) and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) as Oklahoma state law for members called to state active duty or full-time National Guard duty.

• Allows prevailing parties in civil actions to recover reasonable attorney fees as assessed by the court and collected as costs.

• Effective date: November 1, 2015.