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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tammy Phelps

The bill publicly recognizes and commends Anita Whitaker-LaFontaine for her achievements in music, acting, writing, and literacy advocacy.

Enrolled and signed by the Speaker of the House.

Summary of HR 390 (2026 Regular Session, Louisiana)

1) Purpose and Intent

HR 390 is a House Resolution that commends Anita Whitaker-LaFontaine for her artistic achievements as an author, actress, and singer.

The resolution expresses recognition and best wishes for continued prosperity in her future endeavors.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

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

Music performance and recording (four studio albums co-produced/recorded to date)
Broadway and stage work (noting a Broadway debut and various theatre performances)
Songwriting and collaboration with prominent artists
Authorship (two award-winning books; notable works include When Your Hand is in the Lion's Mouth)
Advocacy and literacy work (founder/leader of a nonprofit, In A World with Books, with a documented impact of distributing 30,500 books to children)

Highlights of achievements cited include:

First African American Miss Louisiana (1984)
Star Search Hall of Fame Grand Champion
Performances with renowned artists (e.g., Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bolton, Josh Groban, Whitney Houston demos)
Awards such as the 2019 NAACP Best Supporting Actress Award for Born for This
2022 Artivist Award from Skylight Theater in Los Angeles

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

The primary effect is ceremonial and symbolic: formal recognition by the Louisiana House of Representatives.

It does not impose regulatory requirements, appropriations, or policy changes.

The resolution may positively influence public awareness of Anita Whitaker-LaFontaine’s work and may bolster visibility for literacy advocacy through her nonprofit.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

The resolution was introduced, read by title, and sponsored by Representative Phelps, with Co-sponsor Representative Tammy Phelps.

It is a traditional ceremonial measure, not a bill that would become law. It requires a simple adoption vote by the House.

No monetary appropriations or legislative mandates are associated with HR 390.

The digest indicates the action history includes a “Read by title” on 2026-05-29, suggesting movement through the standard procedural steps for resolutions.

Additional Context

The bill text provides a biographical summary of Anita Whitaker-LaFontaine, detailing her education, career, collaborations, awards, and literacy advocacy.

The resolution culminates with a formal statement of commendation and best wishes.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise one-paragraph blurb for media or a stakeholder briefing, or compare this resolution to similar commendations in the current session.