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STATE OF OKLAHOMA
2nd Session of the 60th Legislature (2026)
HOUSE BILL 4111 By: Provenzano
AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to labor; enacting the Oklahoma
Workplace Competitiveness Safety Act of 2026;
describing the purpose of the act; creating the
Oklahoma Occupational Safety and Health
Administration; defining terms; describing powers and
duties; allowing for voluntary private-sector
participation; creating the SoonerSafe program;
transferring powers and duties; appropriating funds;
providing for codification; providing an effective
date; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 440.1 of Title 40, unless there
is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Oklahoma
Workplace Competitiveness and Safety Act of 2026".
A. The Legislature finds that:
1. The federal government has significantly reduced
enforcement, rule-making, and funding of the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA);
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2. Oklahoma's oil and gas, agriculture, construction, and
manufacturing sectors contribute more than Seventy-two Billion
Dollars ($72,000,000,000.00) annually to the state economy and
employ hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans;
3. States such as Texas and Georgia have successfully
implemented state-level safety programs that shield employers from
inconsistent federal regulation, reduce workers' compensation
premiums, and enhance economic competitiveness;
4. Federal OSHA provides no coverage for state and local
government employees; and
5. A unified, Oklahoma-controlled occupational safety and
health program will protect workers, lower costs for employers, and
keep Oklahoma competitive.
SECTION 2. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 440.2 of Title 40, unless there
is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
There is hereby created within the Department of Labor the
Oklahoma Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OOSHA),
which shall have the powers and duties prescribed by this act.
SECTION 3. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 440.3 of Title 40, unless there
is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
As used in this act:
1. "Commissioner" means the Oklahoma Commissioner of Labor;
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2. "Covered employer" means:
a. any state agency, county, municipality, school
district, or other political subdivision of the state
(mandatory coverage), and
b. any private sector employer who voluntarily elects to
participate in the OOSHA program pursuant to Section 6
of this act;
3. "SoonerSafe certification" means a renewable three-year
certificate issued by Oklahoma Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OOSHA) confirming substantial compliance with
applicable safety standards; and
4. "Public employee" means any employee of a state agency,
county, municipality, public trust, school district, or other
political subdivision.
SECTION 4. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 440.4 of Title 40, unless there
is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
OOSHA shall:
1. Enforce occupational safety and health standards for all
public employees in a manner at least as effective as federal
standards;
2. Promulgate rules, after public hearing and stakeholder
input, establishing safety and health standards for covered
employers;
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3. Conduct inspections, investigations, and issue citations and
penalties for public employers;
4. Provide free on-site consultation, training, and technical
assistant to any Oklahoma employer;
5. Establish and administer the voluntary "SoonerSafe
Certification" program;
6. Collect, analyze, and publish occupational injury and
illness data for the state; and
7. Coordinate with the Workers' Compensation Commission to
offer premium credits for certified employers.
SECTION 5. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 440.5 of Title 40, unless there
is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A. Any private sector employer may apply for SoonerSafe
Certification.
B. Certification shall be granted upon:
1. Completion of an Oklahoma Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OOSHA) consultation with no serious violations
outstanding, or
2. Demonstration of an effective safety and health program
meeting criteria set by rule.
C. Certified employers shall receive:
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1. A five percent (5%) to ten percent (10%) workers'
compensation premium credit for three (3) years to be administered
through the Insurance Department and CompSource Mutual;
2. Priority consideration in bidding on state contracts; and
3. Use of the official "Sooner Safe" seal in advertising and
recruitment.
SECTION 6. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified
in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 440.6 of Title 40, unless there
is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
Effective July 1, 2026, all powers, duties, and personnel of the
Public Employee Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) unit shall be
transferred to Oklahoma Occupational Safety and Health
Administration.
SECTION 7. NEW LAW A new section of law not to be
codified in the Oklahoma Statutes reads as follows:
There is hereby appropriated to the Oklahoma Occupational Safety
and Health Administration from any monies not otherwise appropriated
from the General Revenue Fund of the State Treasury for the fiscal
year ending June 30, 2027, the sum of Ten Million Dollars
($10,000,000.00) or so much thereof as may be necessary to perform
the duties imposed upon the Oklahoma Occupational Safety and Health
Administration by law.
SECTION 8. This act shall become effective July 1, 2026.
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SECTION 9. It being immediately necessary for the preservation
of the public peace, health or safety, an emergency is hereby
declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and
be in full force from and after its passage and approval.
60-2-15131 TKR 01/15/26