SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5512
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
State Government & Elections, January 14, 2022
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 & Elections: 1/12/22, 1/14/22 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Designates "The Evergreen State" as the official state nickname.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & ELECTIONS
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Hunt, Chair; Kuderer, Vice Chair; Wilson, J., Ranking Member; Hasegawa and Hawkins.
Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)
Background:

On November 11, 1889, Washington became the 42nd state to enter the Union.  It is the only state named for a president.  In the late 1800s, Charles Tallmadge (C.T.) Conover, a pioneer Seattle realtor, newspaper columnist, and historian, nicknamed Washington "The Evergreen State."  Conover, who was also instrumental in retaining the name of Mount Rainier, gave Washington this nickname for its abundant evergreen forests.

 

Today "The Evergreen State" is generally accepted as a reference to 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.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

PRO:  Everyone believes that "The Evergreen State" is the official state nickname, but it was only recognized in resolution.  This bill would make it official in statute.

 

CON:  Washington shouldn't present itself as a quiet, cold, rainy state.  We do things loudly and passionately here.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Jim Honeyford, Prime Sponsor.
CON: Joe A Kunzler, None.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.