OK SB277

Creates the Oklahoma State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act, establishing a state-administered insurance program through the Oklahoma Workforce Commission to provide paid leave benefits for workers caring for new children, family members with serious health conditions, or their own serious health conditions.

Provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave for the worker's own serious health condition and up to 12 weeks for family caregiving or new child bonding, with a combined maximum of 16 weeks per application year.

Calculates benefits at 90% wage replacement for earnings up to 50% of the statewide average weekly wage, and 50% replacement for earnings above that threshold, funded through employer payroll contributions set annually by the Commission at 135% of previous year benefits plus administrative costs.

Requires employers to maintain health care benefits during leave and restore employees to their same or equivalent position upon return, with protections against retaliation including fines of at least $500 for violations and remedies including back pay, reinstatement, and attorney fees.

Allows self-employed individuals to opt into coverage for a minimum three-year period, requires employers to provide written notice of benefits to employees upon hiring with a $100 per day per employee fine for violations, and establishes a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund effective November 1, 2026.