(a) A state employee, directed by the proper authority or in obedience to a subpoena, shall be entitled to time-off from work without loss of compensation or leave to serve in a capacity described in paragraphs (1) through (4) of this subsection. Such time shall be counted as hours worked in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and 260:25 7 12.
- (1) A jury member;
- (2) A witness on behalf of the federal government, the state of Oklahoma, or a political subdivision of the state;
- (3) A witness or party before a state agency, board, commission, or legislative body; or
- (4) A witness, party, attorney, representative, or spokesperson in the employee's official capacity as a state employee.
(b) A state employee shall take annual leave or leave without pay, at the employee's discretion, for the time absent to serve:
- (1) as a party in private litigation;
- (2) as a witness to testify as an individual or a paid expert in private litigation;
- (3) as an attorney outside of the employee's official capacity as a state employee; or
- (4) in any other capacity of court and jury services not covered in subsection (a) of this Section.
- (c) The Appointing Authority may require the employee to submit a copy of the subpoena, summons, or other court order or process as a prerequisite for determining whether or not leaveis to be taken.
- (d) State officers and employees are prohibited from receiving expert witness fees when acting in their official capacities as state employees. [Ethics Rules 257:20-1-3]
- (e) Any jury fees received by the employee in accordance with state statute can be retained by the employee. [28 O.S. § 86]
Added at 31 Ok Reg 1346, eff 9-12-14