SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5116
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Government Operations & Elections, January 20, 2009
Title: An act relating to designating a state nickname.
Brief Description: Designating "The Evergreen State" as the official nickname of the state of Washington.
Sponsors: Senator Honeyford.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/19/09, 1/20/09 [DPS, w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5116 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; McDermott, Pridemore and Swecker.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senator Roach, Ranking Minority Member.
Staff: Edward Redmond (786-7471)
Background: On November 11, 1889, Washington became the 42nd state to enter the Union. It is the only state named for a president. In the late 1800s, Charles Tallmadge (C.T.) Conover, a pioneer Seattle realtor, newspaper columnist, and historian, nicknamed Washington "The Evergreen State." Conover, who was also instrumental in retaining the name of Mount Rainier, gave Washington this nickname for its abundant evergreen forests.
Today "The Evergreen State" is generally accepted as a reference to the state of Washington state. The nickname can be seen engraved on Washington State license plates, on memorabilia sold at souvenir shops across the state, and inscribed on the April 2007 United States memorial quarter honoring Washington State.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): "The Evergreen State" is designated as the official nickname of the state of Washington.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): The "E" in Evergreen and "S" in State are capitalized to read: The Evergreen State.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: None.
Persons Testifying: No one.