Title: An act relating to designating the orca as the state marine mammal.

Brief Description: Designating the orca as the state official marine mammal.

Sponsors: Representatives Appleton, Bailey, Tom, Chase, Takko, McCoy, Skinner, Sells, Darneille, Schual-Berke, Hasegawa, Green, O'Brien, Strow, Eickmeyer, Morris, Moeller, Linville, Cody, Rodne, Morrell, Hudgins, Quall, Williams, Dunn, Campbell and Santos.

Brief History:

State Government Operations & Accountability: 2/16/05, 2/22/05 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ACCOUNTABILITY

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Haigh, Chair; Green, Vice Chair; Nixon, Ranking Minority Member; Clements, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hunt, McDermott, Miloscia, Schindler and Sump.

Staff: Hannah Lidman (786-7291) and Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

The Legislature has designated various plants and animals to represent and celebrate the spirit and diverse qualities of Washington State. Familiar designations include the western hemlock 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, gem, tartan, and arboretum.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature intends to promote orca awareness and encourage protection of the natural marine habitat by designating the orca whale, Orcinus orca, as the official marine mammal of the state of Washington.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: Washingtonians admire and venerate the orca which has become a part of the economic and cultural life of Washington. The orca is an icon of the State of Washington.

Testimony Against: None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Appleton, prime sponsor; and Rocky Beach, Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.