Representative Erick Harris

R

District 39

Hi, I’m Erick Harris and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 39th District.

representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

Jun 2, 2026
Recent Posts

Public Protection Act Signed into Law

Legislation aimed at strengthening public safety and modernizing courts' tools to identify potentially dangerous offenders before trial has been signed into law. Senate Bill 1618 creates the Public Protection Act, establishing a more transparent and accountable framework for pretrial release decisions. The measure requires the use of validated risk assessments and public safety reporting to help courts evaluate the likelihood that a defendant will commit additional crimes, fail to appear in court or otherwise threaten public safety. Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, who carried the bill in the House, said the measure prioritizes the safety of Oklahoma families and communities while providing reliable information to judges making release decisions. "Pretrial release decisions can have significant consequences for victims, communities and defendants alike, and it's critical that courts have access to reliable information when determining if and how an individual should be released. "When someone is arrested for a crime, one of the first questions should be whether releasing that individual poses a risk to the public," Harris said. "For too long, courts have lacked consistent tools and data to identify high-risk offenders before they're released, which can have significant consequences for victims and communities. The Public Protection Act will protect communities by giving judges better information to make informed decisions and preventing dangerous criminals from slipping through the cracks." The legislation requires courts to consider evidence-based risk assessments when determining conditions of release and establishes reporting requirements that will provide lawmakers, courts and the public with more information regarding pretrial outcomes and reoffending rates. "This law prioritizes public safety for Oklahomans and establishes much-needed safeguards before the release of a defendant from custody," said Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, who authored the bill in the Senate. "By using pretrial risk assessments to determine release conditions, we are keeping communities safe while upholding consistent standards that treat defendants fairly under the law. Looking at a defendant's criminal history and the seriousness of their offenses will protect the public and save lives. I appreciate all of Representative Harris' help in getting this bill across the finish line." SB 1618 takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.

May 8, 2026
Recent Posts

House Recognizes National Police Week, Peace Officers Memorial Day

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has adopted House Resolution 1058 , recognizing Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week and honoring the law enforcement officers who protect communities across Oklahoma.  Authored by Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, HR1058 acknowledges the courage, sacrifice and dedication of peace officers, while paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty. Harris said the resolution serves as an important reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day in order to keep Oklahoma families safe. "Our law enforcement officers willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities, uphold the rule of law and serve others before themselves," Harris said. "This resolution is one way we can honor the brave men and women who wear the badge and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our state and nation. Oklahoma stands firmly behind the heroes in law enforcement who work tirelessly to keep our neighborhoods safe." Rep. John George, R-Newalla, who coauthored the resolution, served with the Oklahoma Police Department for more than 30 years. "As someone who spent most of their life in law enforcement, this week is of course meaningful to me," George said. "I've seen firsthand the horrors that sometimes come with being the first on the scene of a violent crime. But I've also seen the moments when officers change someone's life for the better just by showing up to provide protection or to diffuse a potentially dangerous situation. To all the men and women who put on a uniform and serve the public at great risk, I say thank you. You deserve our recognition and our appreciation. I especially want to take time to remember our fallen officers, those who didn't make it back from their last call. Your ultimate sacrifice is not forgotten. We will keep your families lifted in our prayers, and we will do everything in our power to make sure your service will never be said to have been in vain." The resolution names six law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty within the last year: Deputy Sheriff Thomas "Walker" Lemay of the LeFlore County Sheriff's Office, Trooper Vernon Brake of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Sergeant Thomas Duran of the El Reno Police Department, Deputy Gary Brooks of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, Recruit Franklin Leinen of the Broken Arrow Police Department, and Reserve Officer Clint Lawrence of the Haileyville Police Department. Following the adoption of the resolution, the House took a moment of silence in remembrance of the six fallen officers and other fallen law enforcement across the nation. National Police Week was established to recognize the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers. Peace Officers Memorial Day is observed annually on May 15.

May 7, 2026
Recent Posts

Bill Protecting Parental Right to Affirm Biological Reality Signed by Governor

A measure defending the fundamental rights of parents across Oklahoma has been signed into law by the governor.  Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, authored the "Right to Raise Act" to ensure that no Oklahoman is denied the opportunity to adopt or foster children simply for using biologically accurate language or for raising a child consistent with their God-given biological sex.  House Bill 3586  also clarifies that such parenting decisions do not constitute child abuse or neglect.  "The Right to Raise Act reinforces that parents have the fundamental right to raise their children according to their values and beliefs," Harris said. "This bill makes it clear that Oklahoma will stand with families who choose truth over ideology and will not allow them to be punished for it." HB3586 was authored in the Senate by Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond. "This measure is about protecting the fundamental rights of parents and ensuring the state does not impose ideological litmus tests on families who want to provide a loving home," Thompson said. "No qualified Oklahoman should be denied the opportunity to adopt or foster simply for acknowledging biological reality or raising a child in accordance with their deeply held beliefs. I appreciate Representative Harris for putting this forward to provide clarity in the law." The Right to Raise Act will take effect Nov. 1, 2026.