Bill > SB615

This bill establishes a salary cap for state employees, stipulating that no state employee can be annually compensated more than the Governor's salary, with specific exemptions. The bill defines a "state employee" as any officer or employee elected or employed in the service of the state, but provides exemptions for higher education employees (including Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education staff) and physicians or licensed healthcare professionals working under state department or agency authority. If a state department wants to provide compensation higher than the Governor's salary, they must submit a proposal to the Legislature, which can then approve the higher compensation through a joint or concurrent resolution. The bill is set to become effective on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause, which means it can take effect immediately upon passage and approval. The primary intent appears to be creating a standardized approach to state employee compensation and providing a mechanism for exceptional cases where higher salaries might be justified.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb615&Session=2600