S-0217.1 _______________________________________________
SENATE BILL 5599
_______________________________________________
State of Washington 57th Legislature 2001 Regular Session
By Senators Roach, Patterson, Swecker and Zarelli
Read first time 01/26/2001. Referred to Committee on State & Local Government.
AN ACT Relating to the official mammal of the state of Washington; adding a new section to chapter 1.20 RCW; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature recognizes that the orca whale, Orcinus orca, also known as the killer whale, is a magnificent free-roaming marine creature of the Pacific Northwest, and is an icon of the marine ecosystem. The state of Washington has designated an official state tree, grass, flower, fruit, bird, fossil, fish, insect, song, folk song, and dance, but not an official state mammal. The orca is an integral part of Northwest Indian tribal culture, and no living creature would be more appropriate as an official state mammal than an orca whale. Children of our state are keenly aware of the importance of the orca as a symbol of wildness and freedom. The legislature finds that the orca are state treasures, and are deserving of recognition as the official state mammal.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 1.20 RCW to read as follows:
The orca whale, Orcinus orca, is designated the official mammal of the state of Washington.
--- END ---