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

News & Announcements

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.”

Apr 26, 2024
Recent Posts

Landowners' Right of First Refusal Bill Sent to Governor

A measure granting landowners the right of first refusal in eminent domain sales has been sent to the Governor's desk. House Bill 3159, authored by Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City, would give landowners the right of first refusal if the state or any person who acquired the land through eminent domain authority decides to sell the land. "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." Before the state can publicly sell land acquired via eminent domain, the state must offer the land back to the original landowner or the first generation of heirs. If the landowner chooses to repurchase the land, the cost would be the lower of the current market value or the amount paid to the landowner when the land was taken. 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 Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, for her collaboration on the bill.  HB3159 passed the House 91 – 1 in March and passed the Senate 38 – 0 this week. It now heads to the Governor's desk for final consideration.