OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — A controversial bill that would prevent state employees from participating in protests during work hours passed a Senate committee on Tuesday. Senate Bill 481, authored by Senator Dusty Deevers (R-Elgin), is designed to prohibit public employees from engaging in political activism while on the clock, particularly those whose salaries are funded by taxpayer dollars.
The bill, which passed with a 6-2 vote, seeks to maintain the balance between employees’ free speech rights and their professional responsibilities. Under the proposed legislation, employees of school districts, state agencies, and political subdivisions would still have the right to express political views but only on their own time and not at taxpayer expense. The bill also stipulates that state workers would be prohibited from using taxpayer-funded resources such as computers, equipment, or vehicles while participating in protests.
“It maintains employees’ free speech rights, but they may still express political views on their own time, but not on the taxpayer’s time and the taxpayer’s dime,” Deevers said in a statement following the vote.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to separate public employees’ professional duties from political activism, reinforcing the idea that government employees should not be able to engage in protests while working. Deevers emphasized that the First Amendment guarantees free speech but does not extend to allowing government employees to engage in political activism during their work hours.
The bill comes in the wake of protests that have occurred in Oklahoma over issues such as immigration policies and school board decisions. It also brings to mind the 2018 Oklahoma Teacher Walkout, where educators and staff members protested for higher wages, an event that garnered national attention and lasted for nine days before a resolution was reached.
However, the bill has faced significant opposition from some lawmakers. Senator Julia Kirt (D-Oklahoma City) voiced concerns about the broad scope of the legislation, arguing that it could limit public employees’ ability to engage in community outreach and advocacy. Kirt suggested that the bill’s definitions were too vague and could create confusion at the local level.
“This is intended to limit public employees from associating with each other, from conducting community outreach,” Kirt said. “The definitions are so broad as to distinguish protests from advocacy and community outreach. I think it would create problems at the local level. I cannot support this roadway.”
With the committee’s approval, Senate Bill 481 will now move to the full Senate for further debate and potential passage. If approved, it could have a significant impact on the way public employees in Oklahoma can engage in political activities, further fueling the ongoing debate over the balance between free speech and public service duties.
