Summary: House Resolution 142 (2026) – Commendation for Etta Jane Harris
Purpose and Intent
- HR 142 is a House Resolution from Louisiana recognizing and commending Etta Jane Harris on the occasion of her retirement.
- The resolution honors her more-than-four-decade public service, specifically highlighting her role as deputy undersecretary of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
Key Provisions and Provisions Change
- Explicit commendation: The House expresses appreciation for Harris’s contributions to the state of Louisiana.
- Biographical acknowledgment: The resolution provides a brief overview of Harris’s background, education, and career, including:
- Birth date: April 10, 1961.
- Long tenure in state employment starting at age 19, totaling over 44 years of service.
- Education: BS in Business Management and a Master’s in Public Administration (concentration in budget and finance) from Southern University.
- Career highlights: State budget manager for the Commissioner of Administration under multiple governors; involvement in education, juvenile justice, social services, system care services, and other state administration aspects.
- Role as deputy undersecretary of DCFS; public testimony before legislators, judges, advocacy groups, and conferences.
- Family: Two sons, McArthur and Micah Whitmore.
- Personal qualities: Describes Harris as professional, dignified, respected, with mentorship qualities, humor, kindness, energy, and graciousness.
- Retirement acknowledgment: Indicates she is retiring from her role as deputy undersecretary of DCFS and is deemed highly deserving of recognition.
- Formal legislative outcome: The resolution expresses enduring appreciation and extends best wishes for her retirement and future endeavors.
Affected Parties
- Primary: Etta Jane Harris (subject of commendation).
- Secondary: Louisiana state government and DCFS, along with administration staff, legislators, advocates, and the broader public who benefit from Harris’s service and leadership.
Procedural and Timeline Details
- Legislative status: Introduced and adopted as a House Resolution.
- Timeline:
- Read by title and adopted: April 15, 2026.
- Read by title and lies over under the rules: April 14, 2026.
- Enrolled and signed by the Speaker of the House: April 16, 2026.
- Taken by Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State: April 17, 2026.
- Sponsor: Representative Denise Marcelle (co-sponsor).
Impact and Context
- The bill does not change law or allocate funds; it is an official ceremonial recognition.
- Serves to publicly acknowledge and celebrate the career and contributions of a long-serving Louisiana public employee.
- May contribute to the historical record of DCFS leadership and public service in Louisiana.
