CONDOLENCES: Expresses the condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of Ponder "P.C." Clinton, Jr.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tammy Phelps

The bill is a ceremonial House Resolution honoring Ponder "P.C." Clinton, Jr. for his pioneering Black farming achievements and community civil-rights era contributions in Louisian

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

Summary of Bill HR 338 (2026, Louisiana)

Purpose and Intent

The bill expresses condolences on behalf of the Louisiana House of Representatives for the death of Ponder "P.C." Clinton, Jr.

It recognizes Clinton’s life, contributions, and impact on Louisiana, particularly in agriculture and community activism.

Key Provisions and Changes

Formal Resolution: HR 338 is a resolution (not law) that formally communicates the House's condolences to Clinton’s family and acknowledges his legacy.

Recognition Highlights: The resolution highlights:

Clinton’s early life and upbringing in DeSoto Parish.
His military service in the United States Army, beginning April 4, 1944, at age 18.
A pioneering role in agriculture as a Black Louisiana farmer and cattleman.
Notable achievements in cotton farming, being recognized as the first Black Louisiana farmer to produce a premium bale of cotton (with multiple years cited: 1967–1975).
Additional work as a school bus operator, a bush-hogging business owner, and head custodian at the Caddo Career and Technology Center.
Civic engagement through organizing community action marches in the Cedar Grove neighborhood to promote safety and drug-free zones (AB Palmer Park), which drew national attention and involvement from civil rights figure Dick Gregory.
Family information: married to Dorothy Mae Clinton for 74 years until her passing in 2023 and had ten children.

Affected Parties and Scope

Primary Beneficiary: The family and supporters of Ponder "P.C." Clinton, Jr.

Broader Impact: Louisiana communities connected to Clinton’s agricultural leadership, civil rights-era activities, and local public service roles (education transportation, maintenance) are acknowledged.

Legal/Policy Impact: No changes to statutes, regulations, or funding programs. The measure is ceremonial in nature, serving to honor a notable figure.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Read by title and laid over under the rules as of May 26, 2026.

Sponsor: Representative Phelps; Co-sponsor: Tammy Phelps.

Type of Measure: House Resolution (non-binding, symbolic expression of condolences).

Effective Date: Not applicable in the sense of lawmaking; becomes part of the legislative record upon adoption.

Observations

The resolution places emphasis on Clinton’s role as a pioneer among Black farmers and his broader community involvement.

It serves to formally record the House’s respect and appreciation for Clinton’s contributions to Louisiana’s agricultural heritage and civil rights-era community work.