Oklahoma House Approves Bill to Cap State Employee Pay Raises

Measure would limit raises and bonuses to 10% of base pay, with some exceptions

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Oklahoma House has approved a bill that would cap raises and bonuses for some state employees at 10% of their base pay, with certain exemptions. The measure is aimed at increasing transparency around large pay increases that have drawn public scrutiny in recent years.

Why it matters

This bill is part of an ongoing debate in Oklahoma over how state agencies manage compensation and the use of taxpayer funds. Supporters argue it will bring more oversight and accountability, while critics say it could make it harder for the state to attract and retain talented workers.

The details

House Bill 3024, authored by Republican Rep. Dick Lowe, would limit pay raises and bonuses for executive branch employees to 10% of their base pay, unless there is a substantial change in title or responsibilities or a performance review. The measure exempts agency directors, employees of 'non-appropriated agencies,' positions requiring advanced degrees or licensing, and higher education/school district workers. Lowe said the bill is a response to recent instances of large, 'behind the scenes' pay increases that the public was not aware of.

  • The Oklahoma House approved the bill on March 10, 2026.
  • The bill now heads to the Oklahoma Senate for consideration.

The players

Rep. Dick Lowe

The Republican author of House Bill 3024, which would cap state employee pay raises and bonuses.

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

An example of a 'non-appropriated agency' that would be exempt from the pay raise cap under the proposed legislation.

Ryan Walters

The former state Superintendent who issued over $600,000 in end-of-year bonuses to agency staff in 2024, including a $45,000 raise to an out-of-state adviser.

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What they’re saying

“We saw some agencies last year give tremendously big raises or bonuses, and we found out about it in the newspaper. That's not the way it's supposed to work.”

— Rep. Dick Lowe, Bill Author (Oklahoma Voice)

“I think the public deserves to know what's going on, and not backdoor, behind the scenes, just money going out.”

— Rep. Dick Lowe, Bill Author (Oklahoma Voice)

What’s next

The bill now heads to the Oklahoma Senate, where it will be considered and potentially amended before a final vote.

The takeaway

This legislation reflects ongoing concerns in Oklahoma about transparency and accountability in how state agencies manage employee compensation. While supporters argue it will bring more oversight, critics worry it could hinder the state's ability to attract and retain talent.