SB 6108
In CommitteeSenate
State shark
Designating the state shark.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill officially designates the bluntnose sixgill shark as Washington’s state shark to recognize its ecological significance and promote public awareness and conservation. It notes the shark’s unique biology and its frequent presence in Puget Sound and coastal waters, especially around Des Moines.
- Designates the bluntnose sixgill shark (*Hexanchus griseus*) as the official state shark of Washington.
- Includes findings recognizing the shark’s ecological uniqueness—such as having six gill slits instead of the usual five—and its status as a ‘living relic’ species.
- Highlights Washington’s role as a rare global location where the sharks can be observed at relatively shallow depths, especially near Des Moines, referred to as the ‘sixgill capital of the world’.
- Aims to increase public awareness of Washington’s marine ecosystems and support science-based education and conservation efforts.
Who is affected
- General public — Residents and visitors may gain greater awareness of local marine life through educational efforts tied to the designation, especially in areas like Puget Sound and Des Moines where sixgill sharks are commonly observed.
- Coastal and Puget Sound communities (e.g., Des Moines) — May benefit from increased tourism and educational programming related to marine wildlife, supporting local economies and science outreach.
- Schools and educators — Will need to incorporate the new state symbol into educational materials and curricula, but no new regulatory or operational requirements are created.
- Marine scientists and researchers — May use the designation to highlight conservation efforts and ongoing research related to local shark populations.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (4)
The designation provides a compelling, locally relevant hook for marine science education in K–12 and informal learning settings (e.g., aquariums, museums), potentially increasing student engagement in STEM and environmental stewardship—especially for students in Puget Sound communities.
EducationPeopleRef: Sec. 1(3)By highlighting the shark’s non-aggressive nature and rarity of human-shark interaction, the bill may help reduce unfounded public fear and support more rational, science-based policies around marine coexistence—benefiting coastal residents and recreational users.
Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 1(2)The designation may support eco-tourism and science-based education programming in Puget Sound communities, potentially creating or sustaining part-time, local jobs in guiding, outreach, and interpretation—particularly in Des Moines and nearby areas.
Business & EmploymentLean peopleRef: Sec. 1(2)The symbolic designation may elevate public and political attention to marine biodiversity and habitat health in Puget Sound, potentially strengthening support for related conservation legislation—though the bill itself imposes no regulatory changes.
EnvironmentLean peopleRef: Sec. 1(1)
Potential Concerns (3)
The bill requires schools and educators to incorporate the new state symbol into curricula, but no funding or support is provided for curriculum development or teacher training—potentially increasing unpaid labor for educators without compensatory resources.
EducationRef: Sec. 2While the bill aims to promote conservation awareness, it contains no enforcement mechanisms, monitoring protocols, or habitat protections—so symbolic designation alone is unlikely to improve shark population health or reduce bycatch, limiting tangible ecological benefits.
Public SafetyRef: Sec. 1(3)Although the bill claims no fiscal impact, increased tourism and public interest may place informal pressure on local governments (e.g., Des Moines, King County) to provide interpretive signage, visitor education, or monitoring staff—costs that are not funded by the state and may fall to municipalities.
Local GovernmentRef: Fiscal Impact section
Who Is Most Affected
Residents and visitors in Puget Sound and coastal areas may gain pride of place, improved environmental literacy, and potential tourism benefits. The symbolic nature poses no direct cost or harm, and the benefits are broadly shared across age and income groups.
Local governments (e.g., Des Moines, King County) may see increased demand for interpretive infrastructure or outreach, but no statutory funding is provided—so impacts are mixed: modest opportunity for economic benefit with potential unfunded administrative or maintenance costs.
Educators gain a ready-made, locally relevant teaching tool, but must integrate it without new state support—so while the topic is valuable, the burden falls disproportionately on under-resourced schools and teachers.
Marine scientists and researchers gain a public relations and outreach asset that may help attract funding or public support for ongoing studies—but the bill does not increase research funding or access to protected habitats.