Representative Eric Roberts

R

District 83

Hi, I’m Eric Roberts and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 83rd District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

59th Legislature

Assistant Majority Whip

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Feb 11, 2025
Recent Posts

Williams, Roberts Recognize Lisa Moss, Oklahoma Survivors’ Act

OKLAHOMA CITY – Monday Rep. Danny Williams, R-Seminole, and Rep. Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City, recognized Lisa Moss, the first woman freed under the Oklahoma Survivors’ Act, on the Oklahoma House Floor. "Today, she not only has her freedom but also the chance to be with her great-granddaughter—a moment that wouldn’t have been possible without the provisions we passed to ensure justice could be reconsidered in cases like hers," Williams said. "I’m grateful to the representatives, senators and Governor Stitt for making this a reality. In the end, we choose to forgive because we, too, seek forgiveness." Moss, a survivor of domestic and sexual violence, was granted her freedom on Jan. 8 after 34 years of incarceration. She was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for conspiracy and first-degree felony murder in October 1990 for the death of her husband. The Legislature passed Oklahoma Survivors’ Act in 2024 to allow courts to revisit sentences for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, giving new opportunities to those who were incarcerated under circumstances that were not fully considered at the time of sentencing. Under the Act, her sentence was reduced to 30 years, with credit for time served. That same day, Moss walked out of the courtroom a free woman. During Monday's House session, Williams and Roberts shared Moss’s powerful story of resilience and hope. "We want to extend our deepest gratitude to you Lisa and say welcome to your new beginning in the free world," Roberts said. "Your strength and perseverance through decades of hardship are truly inspiring. Today is not just about regaining your freedom—it’s about reclaiming your future, reuniting with your loved ones and stepping into a life filled with hope and new opportunities. We are honored to witness this moment and celebrate this fresh start with you." Williams and Roberts also recognized the work of The Rise Program, which Moss attended during her incarceration. The Rise Program offers incarcerated individuals a second chance through education and rehabilitation and has achieved zero recidivism for its participants. The group was at the State Capitol Monday for Dept. of Corrections Day.

May 13, 2024
Recent Posts

Governor Signs Bill to Facilitate Cosmetology and Barber Training in Prisons

Rep. Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City, extends his appreciation to Governor Stitt for signing a bill designed to help prisoners develop work skills for employment options upon their release from prison.   House Bill 3158 would modify the current school application requirements to help cosmetology and barber schools in prisons continue to educate and train students.  "The requirements for running a school within a prison are impractical, and the unique challenges that come with it need to be considered," Roberts said. "In recent years, lawmakers have worked to reduce hurdles to employment for people with a criminal record through reforms such as occupational licensing reform and expungement automation under certain circumstances. When an individual can find employment after serving their time, it significantly decreases the likelihood they will return to crime and incarceration." Under the measure, correctional facility schools are exempt from submitting a financial statement as they provide education free of charge and do not collect any funds. These schools will also obtain a memorandum of understanding from the Department of Corrections. RISE Cosmetology School currently offers training programs at the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center. Witnessing former prisoners trained in cosmetology experience a transformative impact through this program, Roberts said he advocates expanding employment and educational opportunities to aid recently incarcerated individuals in rebuilding their lives after prison. Roberts also thanks Sen. Rader, R-Tulsa, for carrying the bill in the Senate. "I'd like to thank Senator Rader for advancing this measure in the Senate," Roberts said. "I am grateful for the governor's support and the cooperation of my fellow lawmakers in developing reforms that will help previously convicted individuals reenter the workforce." “House Bill 3158 helps make second chances possible for incarcerated Oklahomans,” Rader said. “Ensuring these individuals have marketable job skills to find gainful employment after completing their sentence improves the state's workforce and reduces recidivism rates. The governor’s support of this measure that will build on Oklahoma’s previous workforce initiatives and criminal justice reforms is greatly appreciated.” HB3158 will go into effect on Nov. 1. 

May 1, 2024
Recent Posts

Landowners Right of First Refusal Bill Signed into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Landowner’s Bill of Rights, or HB 3159, was signed into law. The bill gives landowners the right of first refusal if the land is ever sold by the state or anyone who received the land through the use of eminent domain authority.  Rep. Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, were the bill’s House authors. “This bill is a big win for the people of East Norman,” Menz said. “I was proud to collaborate across the aisle to get this done for the people of Oklahoma. Government should be a place where everybody is included, and nobody gets left behind.” Roberts extends his appreciation to the Legislature for their support, to Senator Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, for carrying the measure in the Senate, and to Menz, for her collaboration on the bill.  “If the state acquires land via eminent domain from a landowner and subsequently decides to sell it publicly, it's only fair that the original landowner has the right to repurchase the land before it is offered to anyone else," Roberts said. "Eminent domain shouldn't be used to transfer land from one private party to another.”