Sooner State News

The 59th Oklahoma Legislature concluded its session on May 30, after passing the Fiscal Year 2025 State Appropriated Budget. Lawmakers convened on Memorial Day to finalize the budget, marking a rare occurrence in recent decades.

Throughout May, legislators faced challenges in reaching consensus on budgetary matters. The approved budget for Fiscal Year 2025, commencing July 1, is approximately $400 million less than the previous year and maintains most state agency appropriations at current levels. This aligns with the governor's request during his State-of-the-State Address in February.

In addition to budget discussions, lawmakers addressed organized retail theft through Senate Bill 1735. The bill aims to enhance employee safety and protect businesses from unlawful entry and potential violence. Under SB 1735, first-time offenders face misdemeanor charges with possible jail time or fines, while repeat offenders are subject to felony charges with harsher penalties. The bill was passed by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor.

As the session ended, many lawmakers shifted focus to upcoming elections. The Oklahoma Primary Election took place on June 18, with a Primary Run-off scheduled for August 27 and the General Election set for November 5.

A proposed ballot measure may appear in November's election if sufficient signatures are collected. Known as the Oklahoma Minimum Wage Act, it seeks to increase the state's minimum wage from $7.25 to $9 per hour starting in 2025 and gradually raise it by $1.50 annually until reaching $15 per hour in 2029. From 2030 onward, adjustments would be linked to the Consumer Price Index. The measure exempts employers with ten or fewer employees and those earning less than $100,000 annually.