SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5599

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

State & Local Government, February 7, 2002

Title:  An act relating to the official mammal of the state of Washington.

Brief Description:  Designating an official state mammal.

Sponsors:  Senators Roach, Patterson, Swecker and Zarelli.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  1/29/01, 2/7/01 [DP]; 2/7/02 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Fairley, Vice Chair; Hale, Horn, Keiser, Kline, McCaslin, Roach, T. Sheldon and Swecker.

Staff:  Eugene Green (786‑7405)

Background:  The State of Washington has an official bird (Willow Goldfinch); fish (Steelhead Trout); and insect (Common Green Darner Dragonfly).  The state has no official mammal.

Summary of Bill:  The orca whale, orcinus orca, is designated as the state's official mammal.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  The orca reminds us of the fragileness of our marine environment.  It is a beautiful mammal, but it appears its population in our waters is declining.  The official designation will help us focus efforts to help save the orca.  The orca is also an integral part of northwest Indian tribal culture.  Also, our children are keenly aware of the orca as a symbol of wildness and freedom.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Kelley Balcomb‑Bartok, Center for Whale Research; Traci Belting, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium; Alix Martinet, Bailey Martinet, Adam Butler, Ryon Barstow, Kristoffer Twing, Pine Tree Elementary.