OklahomaHB 3941Oklahoma 2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Courts; secretary-bailiffs; salary; effective date; emergency.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Higher pay and benefits for bailiffs

Beginning in fiscal year 2027, each secretary-bailiff gets at least $42,000 a year or 80% of the top Level 5 law‑enforcement pay, whichever is higher. Full-time secretary-bailiffs and full-time bailiffs in counties that do not meet Section 951 can join state retirement and state insurance plans. Part-time bailiffs are paid by the local court fund at an hourly rate set by administrative directive for hours actually worked. The Administrative Director sets job descriptions, pay schedules, and time sheets for part-time bailiffs. The Chief Justice sets overtime rules for secretary-bailiffs and part-time bailiffs.

Peace officer powers for certified bailiffs

A secretary-bailiff with basic peace officer certification from CLEET has the powers of a peace officer. The Administrative Director sets their duties. CLEET certification does not allow entry into the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System.

Law clerk jobs in business courts

A business court judge may appoint a law clerk who is an attorney licensed or eligible to be licensed in Oklahoma. The clerk serves at the judge’s will. The Chief Justice sets the clerk’s yearly pay.

Statewide rules for court bailiff staffing

The law creates a secretary-bailiff office in every county. Judges appoint them and the Chief Justice approves how many and where they serve. Judges can appoint other needed staff with Chief Justice approval, and special judges may do so with the presiding judge’s approval. A judge may contract with the county sheriff so a deputy serves as a bailiff. Each judge is limited to one full-time secretary-bailiff, but during a jury trial may add one part-time bailiff for the jury. For judges serving more than one county, only one full-time secretary-bailiff is allowed in the district, with part-time help in other counties; office costs may be split among counties based on each court’s revenue. Meal and lodging costs for bailiffs keeping a jury together are paid from the court fund.

When these court changes take effect

The law declares an emergency, so it takes effect on passage and approval. It also sets July 1, 2026, as the effective date in statute.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

John Kane
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Chuck Hall
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 385 • No: 0

House vote • 5/6/2026

FOURTH READING

Yes: 89 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/28/2026

THIRD READING

Yes: 45 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/7/2026

Committee vote: Judiciary

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/7/2026

emergency

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 3/26/2026

emergency

Yes: 92 • No: 0

House vote • 3/26/2026

THIRD READING

Yes: 92 • No: 0

House vote • 2/17/2026

DO PASS

Yes: 30 • No: 0