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

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.

Oct 8, 2025
Recent Posts

Harris Appointed to Uniform Law Commission

Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, has been appointed by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, to serve on the Uniform Law Commission (ULC), a national organization that works to promote consistency and clarity in state laws across the United States. Commissioners to the ULC, established in 1892, must be members of the bar and are appointed from every state. The ULC drafts and promotes enactment of uniform state law to ensure legal consistency in certain policy areas, such as business transactions, occupational licensing and emerging technologies. "I’m honored to represent Oklahoma on the Uniform Law Commission," Harris said. "This organization plays a critical role in maintaining stability and fairness in our legal system, especially as new challenges arise in areas like technology, privacy and commerce. I look forward to working with fellow commissioners to help shape policies that strengthen our state laws while preserving our constitutional principles." Harris, an attorney with experience in both private legal practice and public service, brings extensive legal and policy experience to the role. He is licensed to practice law in Texas and all Oklahoma state and federal district courts, as well as the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Hilbert thanked Harris for his willingness to serve, noting his legal expertise and commitment to sound governance. "Representative Harris has demonstrated exceptional judgment and a strong understanding of complex legal issues," Hilbert said. "He will represent Oklahoma well on the Uniform Law Commission and ensure our state’s perspective is part of these important national policy discussions." The ULC meets annually and operates through committees that draft and review proposed uniform acts. These acts are later submitted to state legislatures for adoption, allowing states to modernize and harmonize their legal frameworks without federal intervention.

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.