Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington SB5000: State nickname
Status: Passed one chamber, March 12, 2026
Adopting the evergreen state as the state nickname.
What the bill says
An act Relating to the state nickname; adding a new section to chapter 1.20 RCW; and creating new sections. NEW SECTION.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT Relating to the state nickname; adding a new section to chapter 1.20 RCW; and creating new sections. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that the official adoption of "the evergreen state" as the state nickname will be the final chapter to formalize a nickname long associated with our beautiful state. This nickname has been long circulated by word of mouth, storytelling, and license plate display. The reference to freshness is supported by foliage that remains green and functional past just one growing season. NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 1.20 RCW to read as follows: "The evergreen state" is hereby designated as the official nickname of the state of Washington. NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. Nothing in this act shall be construed as creating a requirement for any entity to update or revise any existing materials, documents, or publications. --- END ---
Sponsors
- Wilson, Jeff (R, 19) · primary sponsor
- Mike Chapman (D)
- Leonard Christian (R)
- Annette Cleveland (D)
- Perry Dozier (R)
- Phil Fortunato (R)
- Noel Frame (D)
- Chris Gildon (R)
- Deborah Krishnadasan (D)
- James McCune (R)
- T'wina Nobles (D)
- Rebecca Saldaña (D)
Latest actions
- : By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.
- : Referred to Rules 2 Review.
- : Minority; without recommendation.
- : SGOV - Majority; do pass.
- : Executive action taken in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations at 1:30 PM.
- : Public hearing in the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations at 1:30 PM.
- : First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Relations.
- : Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.
- : Placed on third reading by Rules Committee.
- : By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
Votes
- House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations: Do pass (February 25, 2026): 6 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Final Passage (January 28, 2026): 49 yea, 0 nay, passed
- 3rd Reading & Final Passage (February 5, 2025): 49 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections: Do pass (January 17, 2025): 7 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: STATE DESIGNATIONS, OFFICIAL
Common questions
- What is SB5000?
- SB5000 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): State nickname.
- What does SB5000 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to the state nickname; adding a new section to chapter 1.20 RCW; and creating new sections. NEW SECTION.
- What is the status of SB5000?
- Passed one chamber as of March 12, 2026. Latest action: By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading. (March 12, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB5000?
- Wilson, Jeff (R, 19), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB5000?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5000&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.