SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5048

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Government Operations & Elections, January 15, 2003

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

Brief Description: Designating an official state mammal.

Sponsors: Senator Roach, Winsley, Haugen and Kohl-Welles.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/15/03 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Stevens, Vice Chair; Fairley, Horn, McCaslin and Reardon.

Staff: Diane Smith (786-7410)

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 is a universally recognized part of our state's heritage. As such, it is a unifying force. It makes Washington unique.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Mike Moran, Samish Tribe (pro).