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HB2447 • 2026

State shark

Designating the state shark.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Representative Reeves, Representative Parshley, Representative Scott, Representative Obras, Representative Donaghy
Last action
2026-02-04
Official status
H Rules R
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Using official source text because the generated explanation was unavailable or could not be confirmed against the official bill text.

State shark

State shark

What This Bill Does

  • State shark

Limits and Unknowns

  • This entry is temporarily using official source text because the generated explanation could not be confirmed against the official bill text during the last sync.

Bill History

  1. 2026-02-04 House

    Referred to Rules 2 Review.

Official Summary Text

State shark

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
AN ACT Relating to designating the bluntnose sixgill shark as the 1
state shark; adding a new section to chapter 1.20 RCW; and creating a 2
new section. 3
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:4
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds the following:5
(1) The bluntnose sixgill shark is a unique and iconic marine 6
species closely associated with Washington's coastal and Puget Sound 7
waters. Also known as the cow shark, the bluntnose sixgill shark is 8
one of the only shark species in the world with six gill slits, 9
rather than the more common five. It is among the largest shark 10
species, capable of reaching lengths of more than 15 feet, and is 11
considered a living relic, having existed largely unchanged for many 12
years; 13
(2) Sixgill sharks are typically deep-water animals but are 14
unusually accessible in Washington's inland marine waters, where they 15
can be observed by residents, researchers, and divers at relatively 16
shallow depths. This makes Washington one of the few places in the 17
world where people can regularly observe sixgill sharks in their 18
natural habitat. The city of Des Moines is widely recognized as the 19
"sixgill capital of the world" due to its consistent sightings and 20
research activity; and 21
H-2838.2
HOUSE BILL 2447
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2026 Regular Session
By Representatives Reeves, Parshley, Scott, Obras, and Donaghy
Read first time 01/13/26. Referred to Committee on State Government
& Tribal Relations.
p. 1 HB 2447
(3) Designating the sixgill shark as the official state shark 1
will promote public awareness of Washington's marine ecosystems, 2
encourage science-based education, and support efforts to preserve 3
and protect this important species for future generations.4
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 1.20 RCW 5
to read as follows: 6
The Hexanchus griseus , more commonly known as the bluntnose 7
sixgill shark, is hereby designated as the official shark of the 8
state of Washington. 9
--- END ---
p. 2 HB 2447