LEGISLATIVE NEWS


Under Oklahoma’s New ‘Open Carry’ Law, Employers Can Still Keep Workplace Gun-free


Oklahoma’s “Open Carry” bill, which will allow licensed Oklahomans to carry uncon- cealed handguns, has passed and has brought many misconceptions along with it. Some employees may believe they will now have the right to carry guns while at work. How- ever, this is incorrect. Licensed individuals are prohibited from carrying handguns


inside government buildings, on school property and in most of areas of college campuses, sports venues and a few other specified facilities. In addition, Oklahoma businesses still have the right to prohibit any and all weapons in their buildings. This includes the right for employers to implement and enforce policies that prohibit employees who are licensed to carry from bringing a handgun, concealed or unconcealed, into the workplace. If not already in place, employers should consider adopting and publishing a policy banning any and all weapons from the workplace. If employers have a no-weapons rule in effect, now is an excellent time to remind employees about the policy and to explain that the new law will not affect or change the no-weapons rule.


To read more, click here Bullying in the Workplace


Allegations of workplace bullying, which may include verbal abuse, work sabotage, and various types of threatening behavior, have gained national attention in recent years. While there are currently no federal or state anti-bullying statutes prohibiting bullish behavior if it does not involve discrimination, harassment, assault or battery, it is still wise for employers to take steps to promote a respectful environment for all employees.


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