HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1320

                       As Passed House

                     February 17,  1997

Title:  An act relating to the state insect.

Brief Description:  Designating Anux junius as the official insect of the state of Washington.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Government Administration (originally sponsored by  Representatives L. Thomas, Cooke, Cairnes, D. Schmidt, Keiser, Robertson, Blalock, Ogden, Constantine, Veloria, Dunn and Anderson).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Government Administration:  1/31/97 [DPS].

Floor Activity:

Passed House:  2/17/97, 96‑1.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 12 members:  Representatives D. Schmidt, Chairman; D. Sommers, Vice Chairman; Scott, Ranking Minority Member; Gardner, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Doumit; Dunn; Dunshee; Reams; Smith; L. Thomas; Wensman and Wolfe.

Staff:  Bill Lynch (786-7092).

Background:  The Legislature has designated an official state tree, flower, grass, bird, fish, fruit, gem, dance, song, folk song, flag, seal, tartan, and arboretum.  There is no official state insect.  Many other states have designated an official state insect.

Dragonflies are considered to be beneficial insects because of the large number of insect pests that they consume.

Summary of Bill:  The common green darner dragonfly is designated as the official state insect of the state of Washington.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This process has taught students about civics, the environment, and geography.  It also required students to improve their writing and communication skills.  Around 25,000 students from over 100 school districts throughout the state participated in the selection process.  The green darner dragonfly consumes insect pests that spread disease, is easily identifiable, and is native to the state.  Insects are important to the balance of the ecosystem.  Over 35 states have designated a state insect.  The dragonfly can be incorporated into souvenir items that will help generate sales and create jobs.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Les Thomas, prime sponsor; Terry Bergeson, Superintendent of Public Instruction; Pauline Thomas, Crestwood Elementary School; and Michelle Austin and David Keniston, students at Crestwood Elementary School.