HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2884

As Reported by House Committee On:

State Government

Title: An act relating to establishing the orca whale as the state mammal.

Brief Description: Establishing the orca whale as the state mammal.

Sponsors: Representatives Dunshee, Sehlin, Campbell, Upthegrove and Morrell.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

State Government: 2/6/04 [DPS].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Haigh, Chair; Miloscia, Vice Chair; Armstrong, Ranking Minority Member; Shabro, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hunt, McDermott, Nixon, Tom and Wallace.

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

The Legislature has designated various plants and animals to represent and celebrate the spirit and diverse qualities of Washington. Familiar designations include the evergreen tree as the state tree and the rhododendron as the state flower. The Legislature has also designated a state grass, fruit, bird, fossil, fish, insect, song, folk song, dance, gem, tartan, and arboretum.

Summary of Substitute Bill:

The orca whale, orcinus orca, is designated as the official marine mammal of the state of Washington.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

Under the original bill, the orca whale was designated as the state mammal. The substitute bill changes that designation to the state marine mammal.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: None.

Testimony Against: None.

Persons Testifying: None.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.