Oklahoma
Discussion
Oklahoma: Amendments to Medical Marijuana Law
Effective November 1, 2026, HB 3127 amends Oklahoma’s medical marijuana law to address safety-sensitive positions. It also clarifies employers’ rights under the law. Specifically, an applicant or employee employed in a safety-sensitive position can be subject to a zero tolerance drug and alcohol standards. Safety-sensitive positions are defined as: (1) handling, packaging, processing, storage, disposal or transport of hazardous materials, (2) the operation of a motor vehicle, other vehicle, equipment, machinery or power tools, (3) repairing, maintaining or monitoring the performance or operation of any equipment, machinery or manufacturing process, the malfunction or disruption of which could result in injury or property damage, (4) performing firefighting duties, (5) the operation, maintenance or oversight of critical services and infrastructure including, but not limited to, electric, gas, and water utilities, power generation or distribution, (6) the extraction, compression, processing, manufacturing, handling, packaging, storage, disposal, treatment or transport of potentially volatile, flammable, combustible materials, elements, chemicals or any other highly regulated component, (7) dispensing pharmaceuticals, (8) carrying a firearm, or (9) direct patient care or direct child care. Employers are also not required to accommodate the use, possession, sale, transfer, or being under the influence of medical marijuana in the workplace or while performing job duties.
Oklahoma: Continuing Eligibility for Unemployment Benefits
Effective November 1, 2026, SB 1277 amends Oklahoma’s unemployment benefits law’s requirements for maintaining benefits. In addition to searching for suitable employment, three of the following acceptable search actions must be completed each week: (1) submitting a resume or job application; (2) attending an interview; (3) participating in a work-related networking event, industry association event, or networking group; (4) participating in state-offered reemployment services; (5) participating in a volunteer training opportunity likely to lead to paid employment; (6) taking a civil service exam for work in a government agency; (7) uploading a complete resume in the state’s employment service system; and (8) any other OESC-prescribed work search activities.
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