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HJ173 • 2026

Commending Elisha Harris.

Commending Elisha Harris.

Education
Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Hayes
Last action
2026-04-09
Official status
Passed
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide details on specific actions beyond the commendation, leaving some uncertainty about what will be done after presenting the resolution to Elisha Harris.

Commending Elisha Harris

This bill commends Elisha Harris for his long career in education, coaching, and community service.

What This Bill Does

  • Praises Elisha Harris for his work as an educator and coach over many years.
  • Recognizes the impact of Harris on students, athletes, and communities across Virginia.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Elisha Harris

Terms To Know

Commendation
An official statement of praise or approval for someone's work.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not provide any financial support or changes in laws, only a commendation.
  • It is unclear what specific actions will be taken beyond presenting the resolution to Elisha Harris.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-09 House

    Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ173ER)

  2. 2026-03-05 Senate

    Agreed to by Senate Block Vote (Voice Vote)

  3. 2026-03-03 Senate

    Received

  4. 2026-03-03 Senate

    Laid on Clerk's Desk

  5. 2026-03-02 House

    Engrossed by House

  6. 2026-03-02 House

    Agreed to by House by voice vote

  7. 2026-02-24 House

    Presented and laid on Speaker's table 26108097D

Official Summary Text

Commending Elisha Harris.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Commending Elisha Harris.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 2, 2026
Agreed to by the Senate, March 5, 2026
WHEREAS, Elisha Harris is a distinguished educator, mentor, and coach whose more than four decades of service have profoundly impacted students, athletes, and communities throughout the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of Norfolk State University with a bachelor's degree in health, physical education, and driver's education and a master's degree in administration and supervision from George Washington University, Elisha “Cadillac” Harris has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to education and leadership; and
WHEREAS, Cadillac Harris served with distinction at Green Run High School in Virginia Beach, Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Matthew Fontaine Maury High School in Norfolk, Elizabeth City State University, and Norfolk State University, becoming the first African American head football coach in the City of Virginia Beach and earning recognition for his transformational leadership; and
WHEREAS, Cadillac Harris' enduring legacy was formally recognized in 2023 with the renaming of the Green Run High School stadium as the Elisha “Cadillac” Harris Stadium and through numerous honors, including the Virginia Beach Champion of H.O.P.E. Award, the NAACP Champion of Change award, and induction into the Norfolk State University Athletics Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, through mentorship, youth camps, character development programs, and community service, Cadillac Harris has empowered generations of young people to achieve excellence academically, athletically, and personally; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Elisha Harris for his extraordinary contributions to education, athletics, mentorship, and community service and for his lasting positive influence on the Commonwealth; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Elisha Harris as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration and gratitude for his contributions to the Commonwealth.