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: Passed House: 3/08/05, 90-7.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/22/05 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Berkey, Vice Chair; Haugen, Kline, McCaslin, Mulliken and Pridemore.

Staff: Cindy Fazio (786-7405)

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 orca, Orcinus orca, is the official marine mammal of the state of Washington.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Testimony For: Orcas have long been revered by Washington citizens, and long a symbol of Washington State. Millions of dollars are generated by orca watching cruises and the sale of orca souvenirs. The children who advocated for this bill have been watching the bill's progress through the legislative process and this has been a valuable learning tool for them. There were many marine mammals to choose from but none more closely linked to people's perception of Washington State than the orca.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Representative Appleton, prime sponsor; Rocky Beach, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.