Senate Leaders React to Supreme Court Ruling on Workers’ Compensation Law

On Monday, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that Senate Bill 1062 “is not unconstitutional as a multiple-subject bill” and further stated “the Legislature has exercised proper authority in a matter over which it has power to act by adopting a code for future execution of workers’ compensation law.”

“We appreciate the Court’s judicious and expedited ruling on the state’s new workers’ compensation law. From the beginning we have remained confident this law is constitutional and this ruling verifies the court agrees,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, and author of Senate Bill 1062. “With this ruling, the creation of the new state Workers’ Compensation Commission can continue without delay to ensure a seamless transition for businesses and employees alike.”

“This law is critically needed across our state to drive down costs and make Oklahoma more economically competitive with other states, all while continuing to protect workers injured on the job,” said Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore, who is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and carried SB 1062 on the floor. “This law has already shown a significant decrease to rates in Oklahoma, and we anticipate more to come. We are encouraged by this ruling and look forward to moving ahead as soon as possible.”