Oklahoma Supreme Court Upholds Gov. Stitt Return-to-Office Order for State Employees

The Oklahoma Supreme Court has upheld Governor Kevin Stitt's executive order requiring most full-time state employees to return to in-person work by February 1, 2025, rejecting a legal challenge from Democrat State Representative Andy Fugate. Fugate argued that the Legislature should have a role in the decision and that remote work had benefits for employees and agencies, but the court ruled he lacked standing to sue as he was not directly affected. Stitt defended the order as necessary to restore accountability and productivity in state government, emphasizing taxpayers deserve to know public servants are working onsite and not hiding behind virtual meetings. The order allows limited exceptions for part-time workers, employees with irregular hours, and agencies with physical office constraints. Agencies granting exceptions must report them to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, with quarterly updates on remote or hybrid arrangements starting March 2025. Despite the ruling, thousands of employees continue to work remotely, and Fugate described the lawsuit's dismissal as a procedural matter rather than an endorsement of the policy.