HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1069
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Passed House:
February 21, 2007
Title: An act relating to designating the Pacific chorus frog as the state amphibian.
Brief Description: Designating the Pacific chorus frog as the state amphibian.
Sponsors: By Representatives Williams, Hunt and B. Sullivan.
Brief History:
State Government & Tribal Affairs: 1/30/07 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/21/07, 90-3.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Chandler, Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Green, Kretz, McDermott, Miloscia and Ormsby.
Staff: Alison Hellberg (786-7152).
Background:
The Legislature has designated various plants and animals to represent and celebrate the spirit
and diverse qualities of Washington. Familiar designations include the willow goldfinch as
the state bird and the orca as the state marine mammal. The Legislature has also designated a
state grass, fruit, tree, fossil, fish, insect, song, flower, folk song, gem, tartan, and arboretum.
Summary of Bill:
The Pacific chorus frog, Pseudacris regilla, is designated as the official amphibian 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.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The Pacific chorus frog was chosen because it resides on both sides of the
Cascades and in all counties of Washington. This bill has allowed students to engage in the
democratic process. Every student in the class has been involved in the process. The project
has included lessons in biology, persuasive writing, art, research, and politics.
Washington has many state symbols, but no state amphibian. It is important that Washington
designate a state amphibian because there are so many amphibians in the state. Sixteen other
states already have state amphibians. The Pacific chorus frog is the most widely distributed
amphibian in Washington. The Pacific chorus frog is charming and makes beautiful sounds.
It is useful because it eats insects, including mosquitoes.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Williams, prime sponsor; Pat McDonald, Office of the Secretary of State; Keitlan Watson, Maddie Foley, Adam Sloma, Makia Holvorson, and Colton Haisch, Boston Harbor Elementary.