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

Jul 7, 2025
Recent Posts

Harris Celebrates $10M Investment into UCO Forensic Science Institute

Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, today praised the $10 million appropriation to expand the University of Central Oklahoma's Forensic Science Institute. The funding is included in House Bill 2766 , the Fiscal Year 2026 general appropriations bill, and will be distributed by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE).  "I was proud to have the opportunity to work with my colleagues in the Edmond delegation and our friends at UCO to secure this additional funding," Harris said. "The support of this investment reaffirms what we already know: that the Forensic Science Institute plays a vital role serving our communities, supporting law enforcement and public safety, training Oklahoma's students and advancing the field of study. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have on the future of justice in Oklahoma and beyond." The UCO FSI, which opened in 2009, trains students for careers in local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement. UCO FSI is home to more than 1,000 students and nine degree programs, including bachelor's degrees in Forensic Investigations, Digital Forensics, Forensic Molecular Biology and Forensic Chemistry. UCO President Todd G. Lamb praised the $10 million appropriation toward FSI. "Without Rep. Erick Harris's leadership and ownership of this project in the House of Representatives, this critical funding to help the University of Central Oklahoma’s Forensic Science Institute meet the workforce demand for expertly trained graduates in this field would not have been realized," Lamb said. "I'm grateful to Rep. Harris, the Edmond delegation and the Oklahoma Legislature for their support. The UCO Forensic Science Institute at the University of Central Oklahoma is a national leader in forensic science education, uniquely positioned to serve and support federal, state and local law enforcement agencies by educating and training outstanding forensic scientists. UCO is now closer to realizing the complete vision for the Forensic Science Institute because of the $10 million in new funding for necessary expansion." The $10 million appropriation will support the expansion of the Evidence Recovery Bay and Chemistry Teaching and Instrumentation Labs. The Evidence Recovery Bay is used in courses like Crime Scene Processing, Crime Scene Photography and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, but the bay does not have the capacity to meet student demand. Funding will also be used toward a dedicated chemistry teaching and research lab onsite. Currently, FSI is partnered with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to use its chemistry lab facilities as available.

Jun 16, 2025
Recent Posts

Harris Named to Leadership Oklahoma Class 38

Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, has been named to Leadership Oklahoma Class 38, a statewide program that identifies and cultivates leaders dedicated to shaping a better future for Oklahoma. Leadership Oklahoma announced the 47 individuals chosen for its newest class on Monday, June 16. "I am truly honored to be selected for Leadership Oklahoma Class 38," Harris said. "This program fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our state and brings together collaborators who are committed to meaningful progress. I look forward to learning from this exceptional group and contributing to thoughtful conversations that help move Oklahoma forward." Over the next ten months, Class 38 will travel to communities across the state to explore key issues impacting Oklahoma’s future and engage in discussions on economic development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, the justice system and more.

Jun 12, 2025
Recent Posts

Harris Bill Increasing Maximum Amount for Adoption Tax Credits Signed

A bill helping reduce the financial burden brought by adoption has been signed into law. Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, authored House Bill 2610 , which increases a tax credit for nonrecurring adoption expenses. The bill increases the maximum credit amount to 15% of qualified expenses, up to $3,000 for single filers and $6,000 for joint filers. Currently, the limit is 10% of qualified expenses, limited to $2,000 for single filers and $4,000 for joint filers. "The cost of adoption should never stand in the way of a child finding a loving, permanent home," Harris said. "Adoption is a deeply selfless and life-changing decision, and we should do everything we can to support those who answer that call. House Bill 2610 helps make adoption more accessible and gives every child the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supportive environment. By increasing the tax credit for nonrecurring adoption expenses, we’re putting our money where our mouth is and showing the value Oklahoma puts in families." HB2610 was carried in the Senate by Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa. "Increasing this tax credit is just one small way we can extend additional support to the dedicated and selfless Oklahoma families who provide safe, loving homes for children," Rader said. "This bill becoming law reflects our commitment to ensuring families have the resources they need to thrive as they grow their families through adoption." The measure takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.