COMMENDATIONS: Commends Anita Whitaker-LaFontaine on her artistic achievements as an author, actress, and singer

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tammy Phelps

The resolution formally recognizes and honors Anita Whitaker-LaFontaine for her achievements across music, acting, writing, and literacy advocacy.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.

Summary of HR 332 (2026 Session, Louisiana)

Purpose

Recognizes and commends Anita Whitaker-LaFontaine for her artistic achievements as an author, actress, and singer. The resolution extends best wishes for continued prosperity in her future endeavors.

Key Provisions and Changes

The resolution formally praises Anita Whitaker-LaFontaine and acknowledges her contributions across multiple artistic disciplines, including:

Her achievements as a first African American Miss Louisiana (1984) and Star Search Hall of Fame Grand Champion.
Career as a singer, songwriter, and performer in world premieres, charity events, TV and concert venues, and theatre.
Recording and co-producing four studio albums.
Collaborations with notable artists (e.g., Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bolton, Josh Groban, Dave Koz, Chris Botti) and performances with prominent producers (e.g., David Foster).
Contributions to Broadway and theatre (Broadway debut in Trouble in Mind) and recognition (2019 NAACP Best Supporting Actress Award for Born for This).
Advocacy for literacy through the nonprofit In A World with Books, which has provided over 30,500 books to children.
Co-authorship of published works (e.g., Sophisticated Lady: The Songs of Natalie Cole) and authorship of award-winning books (e.g., When Your Hand is in the Lion's Mouth).

The resolution declares her highly deserving of recognition across multiple artistic fields.

Who or What Is Affected

The primary effect is ceremonial recognition by the Louisiana House of Representatives.

There are no substantive policy changes, budgetary allocations, regulatory impacts, or enforcement provisions tied to this resolution.

The bill highlights Anita Whitaker-LaFontaine’s personal and professional biography for public acknowledgment.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Type: House Resolution (non-binding celebratory resolution).

Status: Read by title and lies over under the rules (pending further action) as of the latest action history.

Sponsor: Representative Tammy Phelps (co-sponsor listed).

Effective date: Not applicable in the sense of lawmaking; resolutions typically take effect upon passage as a ceremonial act.

Legislative vehicle: Introduced and considered within the regular session proceedings; no implementation requirements or enforcement duties are attached.

Impact and Use

Purpose is to publicly honor and celebrate Anita Whitaker-LaFontaine’s life achievements and philanthropy.

May be cited in press releases, commemorative materials, and as a formal record of recognition by the Louisiana Legislature.

No fiscal impact or legal changes to statutes or agency authorities are associated with this resolution.