Adopted in May of this year, Oklahoma Senate Bill 1345 became effective on November 1, 2022; and allows employers the option of paying employee wages through deposit at a financial institution or payroll card.
State Wage Payment Requirements
Oklahoma law requires employers to pay wages in lawful U.S. currency or through electronic means. Every employer-issued check, cashier’s check, draft, time check, store order or scrip must be redeemable on demand and at face value (with no discount or fee to the employee).
Employers must reimburse their employees for any fees or costs they incur because of dishonored employer-issued checks within 14 days of receiving notice that the employer’s bank refused to honor the check.
SB 1345 Provisions
The new law allows employers in the state to pay all wages due to their employees on payday through:
Deposit at predesignated financial institutions of their employees’ choice; or
A payroll card account if employees do not consent or designate a financial institution for deposit.
SB 1345 specifies that employers may opt to pay employee wages through deposit at their discretion.
Definitions
Under this law, “financial institution” means a bank, savings bank, savings and loan association, or credit union whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Credit Union Administration or any successor institution.
“Payrollcard” means a card or other device used by an employee to access wages from a payroll card account.
This Legal Update is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. For more information, contact Thrive PEO today at: thrive@thrivepeo.com or: (919) 794-2200.