Sen. Blake Cowboy Stephens has filed Senate Bill 1128, called the “Employee Liberty and Freedom Act,” to ensure current employees are exempt should employers institute new mandates for vaccines or other medical treatments.

Stephens, R-Tahlequah, said he was particularly concerned about loyal workers suddenly being faced with a new requirement that could force them out of their jobs.

“My heart goes out to the hardworking employees who’ve spent decades on the job only to be told they have to get a shot or they’ll be fired,” Stephens said.

“For older workers, they may not be able to find another job in their field.  My bill simply says that you cannot change the rules on your existing employees.  If an employer wants to start requiring a vaccine as a condition of employment, it can’t be applied retroactively—it would only apply to new hires who would know what the rules were from day one.”

Under SB 1128, it would be unlawful for any employer to require their current employees to submit to or take any vaccination or medication as a condition of employment.

Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, agreed with updates from Gov. Kevin Stitt and Attorney General John O’Connor on the state’s legal challenges of federal vaccine mandates.

“The effort to protect the sovereignty and power of the states will be led by Oklahoma and other freedom-loving states,” Treat said.

“Oklahoma is fighting and winning against this egregious federal overreach, just as we promised to do. The Tenth Amendment reserves authority not specifically granted to the federal government to the states, and I am confident Oklahoma will prevail in this legal fight and further solidify federalism and separation of powers.

“This is exactly why the Senate successfully advocated for and appropriated an additional $10 million this year for the AG’s Office to fight the continual onslaught of unconstitutional federal power grabs.”