HOUSE BILL REPORT
ESB 5512
As Reported by House Committee On:
State Government & Tribal Relations
Title: An act relating to designating a state nickname.
Brief Description: Designating a state nickname.
Sponsors: Senators Honeyford, Hasegawa, Lovick, Mullet, Randall, Rolfes and Wagoner.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
State Government & Tribal Relations: 2/17/22, 2/21/22 [DP].
Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill
  • Designates "The Evergreen State" as the official state nickname.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & TRIBAL RELATIONS
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by 6 members:Representatives Valdez, Chair; Lekanoff, Vice Chair; Volz, Ranking Minority Member; Walsh, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dolan and Gregerson.
Minority Report: Without recommendation.Signed by 1 member:Representative Graham.
Staff: Jessica Cable (786-7290) and Desiree Omli (786-7105).
Background:

Washington was admitted as the forty-second state in the Union on November 11, 1889.  It is the only state named after a president.  In the late 1800s, Charles Tallmadge (C.T.) Conover, a pioneer Seattle realtor, newspaper columnist, and historian, nicknamed Washington "The Evergreen State" for its abundant evergreen forests.


"The Evergreen State" is generally accepted as the unofficial nickname for the state of Washington.  The nickname can be seen engraved on Washington State license plates, on memorabilia sold at souvenir shops, and inscribed on the April 2007 United States memorial quarter honoring Washington State.  While many state symbols, including the official state flag, song, dance, and seal, have been officially designated as such by the Legislature, no official state nickname has been designated.
Summary of Bill:

"The Evergreen State" is designated as the official state nickname.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Many people assume "The Evergreen State" is Washington's official nickname; however, it was only ever recognized in resolution.  This bill designates "The Evergreen State" as the official nickname.

 

(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Jim Honeyford, prime sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.