The lawsuit filed by Representative Andy Fugate to stop the implementation of Governor Kevin Stitt’s return to work executive order has been thrown out by an Oklahoma County judge on Monday.
Fugate filed the suit last month saying that Stitt did not have the authority to issue an order and that the power belongs to the Legislature to decide when and if state employees should return to the office, instead of using a work from home or hybrid model.
Stitt celebrated the decision.
“My order was just common sense—taxpayers are better served when the state employees who work for them are in the office, ready to work,” said Stitt. “This lawsuit was a political stunt to grab headlines and try to get the court to legislate from the bench. I’m glad that Judge Dishman dismissed the case quickly before it cost the taxpayers any more time and money to defend”
Fugate can appeal the decision to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
