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Bill

SB 5000

Adopting the evergreen state as the state nickname.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Chapman and 14 co-sponsors

Washington formally adopts "The Evergreen State" as its official state nickname, cementing a long-standing informal designation based on the state's extensive forest coverage.

By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.
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Bill Summary · SB 5000

Legislative bill overview

SB 5000 formally adopts "The Evergreen State" as Washington's official state nickname. The bill passed the House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations with a majority recommendation to pass, though a minority of committee members offered no recommendation. It is currently pending review by the Rules Committee.

Why is this important

While primarily symbolic, state nicknames carry cultural and branding significance for tourism, state pride, and official identity. This formalizes a nickname that Washington has informally used for decades based on its vast coniferous forests, potentially clarifying the state's official designation in legal and promotional contexts.

Potential points of contention

  • Symbolic vs. substantive use of legislative time – Critics may question whether formal adoption of an already widely-recognized nickname justifies legislative floor time versus other pending policy priorities
  • Forestry and environmental concerns – Some environmental advocates might argue the "evergreen" branding oversimplifies or obscures current forest management challenges and climate-related threats to Washington's tree cover
  • Alternative nicknames – Stakeholders may prefer other descriptors (tech hub, innovation state) that reflect modern Washington's economy and identity beyond its historical timber industry

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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