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

Jan 29, 2026
Recent Posts

Harris Comments on OK Horse Racing Commission Audit

The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission (OHRC) recently released a long-awaited forensic audit of its OKBred account. The audit, which Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, received and reviewed after an Open Records Request, found inadequate internal controls, noncompliance with statutory purpose and deficient documentation and record-keeping. It also revealed a lack of formal policies and procedures, lack of transparency to relevant stakeholders and inadequate reconciliation and independent review of finances. A comprehensive reconciliation of the Oklahoma Breeding and Development Fund Special Account (OKBred) began in May 2025. The objective of the audit was to determine the accurate balance of the OKBred fund as of June 30, 2025, and to evaluate the internal controls and processes associated with the management of the account. The account consists of restricted funds established by statute for the specific purpose of supporting and promoting Oklahoma breeders and the state’s breeding industry.  "As fiduciaries of these public funds, the OHRC has a legal, moral and ethical obligation to ensure proper governance, transparency and compliance," Harris said. "The independent audit demonstrates that the Commission has failed to meet these obligations."  The audit noted that OKBred's operational structure lacked sufficient financial controls, system support and interdepartmental oversight. These weaknesses directly contributed to reporting inconsistencies and increased the opportunity for error and potential fraud.  "This audit uncovers a serious lack of financial controls of the OKBred account, which calls into question past and ongoing funds that have been and are being distributed by the OHRC to horse breeders across our state," Harris said. "I urge the State Auditor and the Attorney General to immediately get involved to determine if these public funds have been misspent, whether any crimes were committed and what new procedures must be put in place immediately to ensure accountability and transparency with these funds." 

Dec 30, 2025
Recent Posts

Harris Bill Strengthens Support for Adoptive Families

A new law taking effect Jan. 1, 2026, will help address one of the biggest financial barriers to adoption by increasing the state tax credit for nonrecurring adoption expenses. Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, authored House Bill 2610 , which raises the maximum credit percentage that may be received from 10% to 15% of expenses. Families pursuing adoption often face significant, upfront expenses long before a child is placed in their home, including legal fees, home studies, and travel and agency costs.  "Adoption is an incredibly meaningful way to build a family, but too many Oklahomans are weighed down by out-of-pocket costs that make it harder to say 'yes' when a child needs a home," Harris said. "By increasing the adoption tax credit, we are making a tangible investment in Oklahoma's future and help more children find loving families." Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, was the bill's primary Senate author. "Oklahomans across the state become parents by opening their hearts and homes to children in need," Rader said. "Increasing this tax credit helps support these loving families by easing the financial burden of the adoption process." Oklahomans can begin applying for the increased tax credit in 2027. Adoption expenses incurred on or after Jan. 1, 2026, will qualify for the increased credit amount, now up to 15% of expenses and capped at $3,000 for individuals and $6,000 for joint filers. If adoption expenses occurred prior to this date, the eligible taxpayer would qualify under the lower credit amount, previously 10% of expenses and capped at $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for joint filers. 

Oct 29, 2025
Recent Posts

Interim Study Examines Modernization of Child Custody Laws

Reps. Mark Tedford, R-Jenks, and Erick Harris, R-Edmond, hosted an interim study examining potential updates to Oklahoma’s child custody laws to better reflect modern family dynamics and support children’s relationships with both parents.  The study included testimony from family law experts and advocates who discussed the state’s current custody framework, which was designed in an era when fathers typically worked outside the home and mothers stayed home to raise children. Although state law requires courts to act in the “best interest of the child,” it does not presume that equal parenting time serves that interest.  “Oklahoma’s custody laws were written for a time that no longer reflects how families live and work,” Tedford said. “Most parents today share both financial and caregiving responsibilities, yet our laws still tend to favor one parent over the other. Establishing a presumption of joint equal custody would reduce disputes, keep both parents involved, and ensure children maintain meaningful relationships with each parent. States like Kentucky have already seen positive results from this approach. It’s time for Oklahoma to put children and cooperation first.” Harris said, “Joint equal custody doesn’t mean parents can’t make adjustments when necessary. Instead, it means we begin from fairness by ensuring both parents are on equal footing, not from the assumption that one parent is a caregiver and the other is a checkbook. It’s time for Oklahoma to catch up with the modern family and put kids at the center of our custody laws.” Tedford and Harris plan to continue working with lawmakers, family law experts and advocates ahead of the upcoming session to modernize Oklahoma’s custody laws and ensure they reflect the best interests of children and families across the state.