Representative Erick Harris

R

District 39

Hi, I’m Erick Harris and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 39th District.

representative

News & Announcements

Oct 10, 2024
Recent Posts

Harris Holds Interim Study on Judicial Reform

 Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, held an interim study on Wednesday examining Oklahoma's Judicial Nomination Commission (JNC).  IS-24-094 was held before the House Judiciary-Civil Committee. "The purpose of this interim study is solely to review the method we use in Oklahoma to select our judges, both district court and appellate judges," Harris said. "We've had several proposals over the past couple of years; this being my first year, there was one that received attention and brought up some questions to me as a freshman member and bar member." Jim Webb, former JNC Chairman, discussed the Judicial Nominating Committee's history, overview, and structure. Oklahoma's Judicial Nominating Commission was established in 1967 and started operating in 1969 in response to the Supreme Court Justice bribery scandal. The JNC has 15 members: six lawyers elected for six-year terms based on 1967 Congressional districts and nine non-lawyers appointed for various terms by the governor and legislative leaders, with limits on political party representation. Non-lawyers cannot have immediate family members who are lawyers. JNC members are prohibited from holding other public office or serving successive terms, with lawyers ineligible to become judicial candidates through the JNC for five years after serving. "It's designed to be as free from partisan influence as possible," Webb said. Applicants submit their applications to the Judicial Nominating Commission for a judicial office, which nominates three candidates for the governor to appoint. If the governor does not make an appointment within sixty days, the Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court will make the appointment. Rick Johnson, a former Republican JNC lay member appointed by Governor Fallin in 2017, provided his insights on the role and responsibilities of a lay member within the JNC. The final speaker, Janet Johnson, executive director of the Oklahoma Bar Association, discussed how there are multiple systems for multiple levels of selection, highlighting how they are generally three categories: merit-based, appointment-based, and election-based. The merit-based selection, Missouri plan, considers applicants using a nonpartisan body first. Johnson said in Oklahoma, we adopted a Modified Missouri Plan, where we select district judges in nonpartisan elections for regular vacancies. Fourteen states, including Oklahoma, use the Missouri Plan for their State Supreme Court vacancies. Also, common here in Oklahoma, Johnson said, is appointments, where the governor appoints judges or justices after receiving a list from the JNC. Some states allow for legislative input; in Oklahoma, the Legislature has appointments to the JNC; in 14 states, nominees are subject to legislative confirmation. During the study, Harris and other members discussed possible reforms to the JNC. Harris ended the interim study, thanking everyone for their participation. Harris’ intent is to gather additional information on possible reforms with a goal to introduce legislation next session that modernizes the JNC. IS-24-094 can be viewed on the House website, OKHouse.gov, under the News & Media Tab. Click on Live Proceedings, and search Calendar-Day/Month for Oct. 9, then select the Judiciary-Civil Committee.

May 22, 2024
Recent Posts

Governor Signs Bill to Simplify Vehicle Transfers for Small Businesses

On Monday, Gov. Stitt signed legislation that will address a significant challenge that Oklahoma small business owners face. House Bill 3618, authored by Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, allows the transfer of a motor vehicle title with an active lien from a commercial lender to an individual's business entity. "Currently, small business owners in Oklahoma often have to take out personal loans to purchase vehicles necessary for their operations," Harris said. "While this arrangement may work initially, complications arise as the business expands and additional vehicles are needed." Under existing state law, transferring a vehicle with an active lien to the business entity is prohibited. HB3618 seeks to eliminate this obstacle by allowing the transfer of business assets, such as vehicles, into the business entity's name despite existing liens. "A constituent brought this issue to my attention, and I recognized its impact on thousands of small businesses across Oklahoma," Harris said. "This legislative change will allow small businesses to continue growing and investing in our state, ensuring they have the resources necessary for success." HB3618 will go into effect on Nov. 1.

May 7, 2024
Recent Posts

Governor Signs Alanda's Law

Rep. Erick Harris, R-Edmond, today celebrated the signing of Alanda's Law, House Bill 2478, which expedites the legal process for victims of domestic abuse seeking temporary relief in custody cases. Under HB2478, courts are required to schedule a hearing on temporary custody orders within 10 days of a domestic abuse victim filing a request for temporary custody orders unless both parties mutually agree to waive this timeline. Harris said this provision specifically applies in cases where the application contains allegations of domestic abuse and either an emergency temporary protective order is already in place against the accused party or the accused has been criminally charged with domestic abuse. "For victims of domestic violence, the timing of a judge's availability should not be a barrier," Harris said. "It is crucial to ensure that domestic violence victims appear timely before a judge to expedite the decision-making process." The measure will require the court to issue a ruling on the matter versus arbitrarily scheduling another hearing for a later date, enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness of legal proceedings in these critical situations. "Often, children are involved in these situations," Harris said. "It is imperative that judges swiftly act to ensure families avoid unnecessary heartache during an already traumatic time." Harris named HB2478 Alanda's Law after Alanda Bradshaw, a victim of domestic abuse, in honor of her memory and her beautiful daughter. He said the sustained abuse Alanda endured tragically contributed to her premature passing. "I hope this legislation will honor Alanda and other victims of domestic abuse," Harris said. "The most dangerous moment for a domestic violence victim is when they try to leave their abuser. Alanda's Law protects victims and their families during this critical time." HB2478 will go into effect on Nov. 1.