Representative Justin Humphrey

Hi, I'm Justin Humphrey and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 19th District.


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News & Announcements


Apr 4, 2025
Recent Posts

Humphrey Calls on Governor to Restore Forestry Director

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, the vice chair of the House Public Safety Committee, today called on Gov. Kevin Stitt to return Mark Goeller, the former state forester and director of Oklahoma Forestry Services, to his job. The governor fired Goeller after wildfires devastated much of the state beginning March 14. The fires left four dead, 200 injured and more than 400 homes and other structures damaged or completely destroyed. "I listened in total shock as the governor publicly insulted the men and women of the Oklahoma forestry division and spoke about firing the director," Humphrey said. "Director Goeller is known nationwide for his knowledge on fires and is one of the most responsible directors in Oklahoma government. "Many share my belief that this series of fires were certainly a catastrophic tragedy, but to attribute such extraordinary environmental conditions to the director or the brave firefighters is highly irrational. "Other than the governor, every other indication and report is that Director Goeller anticipated the pending fire conditions and moved manpower and equipment to address the threat of hazard across the state. I understand property was lost, including that belonging to the governor, but the loss would have been that much greater if not for the prudent actions of the forestry director." Humphrey said the governor has stated he wants to imitate President Donald Trump in getting money out of bureaucracy and returning it to the local level, but he said even President Trump would support firefighters and not dismiss the director of this division or threaten to terminate other firefighters who recently risked their lives protecting their fellow Oklahomans. He said the governor should know the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is one of the few agencies that has little waste and is directly in Oklahoma communities every day.  "I think it would be very foolish to shut down such a vital department," he said. Humphrey also called into question the governor's budget figures. He said the governor stated the Forestry Division's budget was $75 million, and he would like to give $50 million of that to local fire departments instead. However, the entire Department of Agriculture received just less than $73.5 million for the current fiscal year (FY25). Only $24.4 million of that figure was appropriated for the forestry division, with $11.7 million of that being awarded as rural firefighter grants. In addition, the Department of Agriculture has requested a budget of only $42 million for Fiscal Year 2026, a 40% cut. However, the department's FY25 budget included some one-time funding, which was not included in their FY26 request. Humphrey said the forestry division also utilizes almost $9.3 million from a revolving fund that is earned by providing brush control, controlled burns and fire management matters for federal recreational areas. About 55% of the division's budget is appropriated and 45% is from services they provide. Humphrey said he's witnessed firsthand the work of the forestry division in fighting fires in his House district in southeast Oklahoma. Because of this, he's worked to increase the budget for the division to get higher pay and better equipment for its employees. "I'm asking the governor to please not create more government by initiating another worthless task force comprised of a group of uninformed political cohorts," Humphrey said. "He acted hastily and he was wrong. He should apologize to Mark Goeller and then to Oklahoma. He should correct his mistake by returning Mr. Goeller to his job as forestry director. The measure of a real man is being able to admit you're wrong and make it right."



Apr 3, 2025
Recent Posts

Humphrey Asks AG to Launch Grand Jury on DHS

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, this week asked Oklahoma's attorney general to call a multicounty grand jury to investigate the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) and what he called the department's "gross negligence and failure to protect children from sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect." Humphrey is following the same request by Adam Panter, the district attorney for Lincoln and Pottawatomie counties. "I have personally exposed numerous violations and alleged illegal acts of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services," Humphrey wrote in a letter to the attorney general. "I believe a substantial portion of DHS employees and administration have intentionally ignored or participated in blatant abuse and abhorrent criminal acts." Humphrey continued that despite multiple efforts to impose compliance, DHS has refused or failed to correct what he called "dishonest and unlawful conduct." He accused the DHS director and other agency directors of being complicit in harmful behavior. "Government officials responsible for overseeing these agencies have shown little to no interest in investigating the innumerable reported offenses," he wrote. He said for the attorney general to delay or prolong an investigation would place numerous children and families at risk, and he personally cannot stand to see another child unnecessarily victimized. Read the full letter to the attorney general here . 



Mar 26, 2025
Recent Posts

Humphrey Again Asks AG for Opinion on DOC Director

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, today again asked Oklahoma's attorney general for his legal opinion on several matters regarding Steven Harpe, director of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Humphrey said at a 2023 interim study he held on prison sexual assault, Director Harpe stated that a federal auditor had considered Oklahoma to be one of the top states for meeting federal anti-rape standards under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). Humphrey said the auditor later refuted this claim to an Oklahoma media outlet, stating no such comment was made and that such statements would violate federal rules regarding impartiality. "This discrepancy raises concerns about the accuracy and integrity of statements made by Director Harpe," Humphrey said in the email to the attorney general. Humphrey was chair of the House Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee at the time of the study. He is now vice chair of the House Public Safety Committee. "Furthermore, during the 2023 House Public Safety budget hearings, Director Harpe reported a $90,000 salary increase, allegedly transferred from his prior position as director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services," Humphrey wrote, also contending that he believes it is illegal to transfer salaries between agencies in this manner. Humphrey continued, "Additionally, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections verified in response to an open records request that there is no record of any authorization for this salary increase. Director Harpe later wrote to legislators, stating that any salary increase for the director must be approved by the governor." Given these circumstances, Humphrey said he would appreciate the attorney general's legal opinion on the following: Does the director of an agency, such as director Harpe, need to be sworn in to be legally required to provide truthful and honest statements? Based on the alleged false statements made during the two House meetings, could Director Harpe be charged with perjury? Is Director Harpe's action of increasing his own salary without authorization a case of embezzlement? If so, which agency would be responsible for investigating and prosecuting these alleged crimes? In light of Director Harpe's alleged lies about sexual assaults in the Department of Corrections and the possibility of a cover-up, would you consider reopening an investigation into the evidence of these allegations? Humphrey thanked the attorney general for his time and service and said he looked forward to his response and any further guidance he can provide on these serious concerns.