Bill Providing 6 Weeks Maternity To State Employees Passes Through Oklahoma Senate

A bill which would provide employees of the state of Oklahoma with six weeks of maternity leave passed through the Oklahoma Senate.

The measure passed on Thursday following brief arguments from state senators.

"We have a lot of people struggling out there in the private sector... those small businesses can't afford to give six weeks of paid leave," Sen. Rob Standridge from Norman said, "I would encourage you to vote no, give them good pay but let's [not] make it the utopian job in Oklahoma."

Other senators disagreed with Sen. Standridge, such as Sen. Carri Hicks from Oklahoma City.

"I'm struggling to find my words when 'utopia' is being described as six weeks of time home with an infant," Sen. Hicks said.

The bill now heads to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.