HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. HB 1088

Designating Awoolly mammoth@ as state fossil         Public Hrg: 1/31/97

Brief Title       

Reps. Sheahan/Schoesler                                   Staff Contact: B. Mauldin

Sponsor                                    Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7093

BACKGROUND:

Washington State has designated several official ceremonial symbols over the years.  These include the state fish (steelhead trout), the state gem (petrified wood), and the state folk song (ARoll On Columbia, Roll On@).  Washington does not have an official state fossil.  Other states have designated state fossils, including the saber-toothed cat in California and the Hagerman Horse Fossil in Idaho.

SUMMARY:  The official fossil of the state of Washington is the woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius).

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.