SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5000
As of January 10, 2025
Title: An act relating to the state nickname.
Brief Description: Adopting the evergreen state as the state nickname.
Sponsors: Senators Wilson, J. and Chapman.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections: 1/14/25.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Designates "The Evergreen State" as the official nickname of the state of Washington.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL AFFAIRS & ELECTIONS
Staff:

Danielle Creech (786-7412)
Background:

On November 11, 1889, Washington became the 42nd state to enter the Union. During that time, 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.?

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Today, "The Evergreen State" is generally accepted as reference to the state of Washington. The nickname was used by Governor John H. McGraw in his 1893 inaugural address, and has been considered by the Legislature for official designation but has never been adopted. 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 state flag, state flower, and state seal have officially been designated as such by the Legislature, no official state nickname has been designated.
Summary of Bill:

"The Evergreen State" is designated as the official nickname of the state of Washington.?
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.