Oklahoma legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Oklahoma SB1277: Employment benefits; modifying conditions for disqualification; specifying work search actions. Effective date.
Status: Signed into law, May 12, 2026
What the bill says
An Act relating to employment benefits; amending 40 O.S. 2021, Section 2-417, as amended by Section 1, Chapter 309, O.S.L. 2024 (40 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 2-417), which relates to disqualification; modifying conditions for disqualification for certain benefits; specifying acceptable work search actions; updating statutory language; and providing an effective date. SUBJECT: Employment benefits.
From the enrolled text, May 6, 2026:
An Act relating to employment benefits; amending 40 O.S. 2021, Section 2-417, as amended by Section 1, Chapter 309, O.S.L. 2024 (40 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 2-417), which relates to disqualification; modifying conditions for disqualification for certain benefits; specifying acceptable work search actions; updating statutory language; and providing an effective date. SUBJECT: Employment benefits SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 40 O.S. 2021, Section 2-417, as amended by Section 1, Chapter 309, O.S.L. 2024 (40 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 2-417), is amended to read as follows: Section 2-417. SEEK AND ACCEPT WORK - WEEK OF OCCURRENCE DISQUALIFICATION. A. An individual shall be disqualified to receive benefits for each week in which the individual shall have failed to do any of the following: 1. Diligently search for suitable employment at a pay rate generally available in that area of the state in keeping with his or her prior experience, education and training; or 2. Make application for the minimum number of weekly work search efforts as required by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission; or 3. Present oneself as an applicant for employment in a manner designed to encourage favorable employment consideration Conduct three weekly search actions, or more if required by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission based on economic or geographic factors. B. Acceptable work search actions shall be determined by the Commission and …
Sponsors
- Jerry Alvord (R, SD-014) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Approved by Governor 05/11/2026
- : Sent to Governor
- : Signed, returned to Senate
- : Enrolled, to House
- : Referred for enrollment
- : Signed, returned to Senate
- : Third Reading, Measure passed: Ayes: 81 Nays: 5
- : General Order
- : CR; Do Pass Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Committee
- : Policy recommendation to the Commerce and Economic Development Oversight committee; Do Pass Business
Votes
- Third Reading (May 5, 2026): 81 yea, 5 nay, passed
- Floor Vote (April 14, 2026): 14 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Floor Vote (April 7, 2026): 8 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Third Reading (March 9, 2026): 46 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Senate Business & Insurance Committee (February 19, 2026): 8 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Business and Labor
Common questions
- What is SB1277?
- SB1277 is a bill in the Oklahoma Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Employment benefits; modifying conditions for disqualification; specifying work search actions. Effective date.
- What does SB1277 do?
- In its own words: An Act relating to employment benefits; amending 40 O.S. 2021, Section 2-417, as amended by Section 1, Chapter 309, O.S.L. 2024 (40 O.S. Supp. 2025, Section 2-417), which relates to disqualification; modifying conditions for disqualification for certain benefits; specifying acceptable work search actions; updating statutory language; and providing an effective date. SUBJECT: Employment benefits.
- What is the status of SB1277?
- Signed into law as of May 12, 2026. Latest action: Approved by Governor 05/11/2026 (May 12, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB1277?
- Jerry Alvord (R, SD-014).
- Where is the official record for SB1277?
- On the Oklahoma Legislature website: https://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=SB1277&Session=2600
Source: official Oklahoma record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.