SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5561
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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections, February 15, 2011
Title: An act relating to designating the state rock.
Brief Description: Designating the state rock.
Sponsors: Senators Swecker and Shin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections: 2/15/11 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Pridemore, Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Chase, Nelson and Roach.
Staff: Karen Epps (786-7424)
Background: The state of Washington confers the official designation on various flora, fauna, performing arts, minerals, and tartan. Some of these designations include: petrified wood, the official gem; the Walla Walla sweet onion, the official vegetable; the apple, the official fruit; the orca, the official marine mammal; the willow goldfinch, the official bird; and the steelhead trout, the official fish.
Prospectors discovered sandstone in Tenino in 1870. Tenino sandstone is included in the east wing of the Washington State Capitol, the original main branch of the Seattle Public Library, the Bailey Building in Seattle, and the Calvary Presbyterian Church in San Francisco, California. Tenino sandstone is a structural component of the Philadelphia Freedom Monument and represents Washington State in the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.
Summary of Bill: Tenino sandstone is designated as the official rock 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.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill comes from some students in Tenino who wanted to get involved in the legislative process. These students developed this legislation to follow it through the process. The Tenino Sandstone has an important history. In 1870 prospectors discovered Tenino Sandstone. By 1898 Tenino opened its first quarry. By the 1900's Tenino Sandstone was the regions' most popular building source. In 1991 the quarry reopened. Tenino Sandstone is worthy of becoming Washington State's designated rock. Tenino Sandstone has been used in numerous stores, churches, banks, and schools from Seattle to Spokane. As examples, the oldest building on the University of Washington campus was built with Tenino Sandstone. The original public library in Seattle was built with Tenino Sandstone. The east wing of the Washington State Capitol was built using Tenino Sandstone. Tenino Sandstone is the only Washington State rock in the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. Tenino Sandstone represents Washington State.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Swecker, prime sponsor; Marissa Dallaire, Madisyn Carey, Tenino High-Cap Program.