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Senate panel approves three days of bereavement leave for Oklahoma teachers, funds drawn from maternity-leave pool
Summary
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved Senate Bill 1204 to provide three days of bereavement leave to Oklahoma teachers and school employees after the death of a spouse or child, including miscarriage; the committee adopted an amendment to fund the leave from the public school paid maternity leave revolving fund and voted 22-0 to advance the bill to the floor.
Senator Mann told the Senate Appropriations Committee that Senate Bill 1204 would give Oklahoma teachers and school employees three days of bereavement leave following the death of a spouse or a child, including miscarriage. "This amendment adds, basically, that the money for this paid leave will come from the public school paid maternity leave revolving fund," Mann said while explaining an amendment the committee adopted by voice vote.
The author told colleagues the Department of Education believes the existing paid maternity leave revolving fund can cover the policy without additional appropriations. Mann noted an estimated "physical impact" of 253,000 but said the department believes current funds will suffice.
During committee questions members pressed on the fund choice and whether the bill text clearly instructs the Department of Education to use the maternity-leave fund; the author responded that the amendment explicitly directs that funding source. After brief discussion and no additional debate the committee recorded a roll call vote of 22 ayes, 0 nays and the chair declared the bill passed in committee.
The committee also recorded the formal adoption of the amendment that designates the funding source. The bill will move to the Senate floor for further consideration.
