Designating the state shark.

 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.

AN ACT Relating to designating the bluntnose sixgill shark as the state shark; adding a new section to chapter 1.20 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds the following:

(1) The bluntnose sixgill shark is a unique and iconic marine species closely associated with Washington's coastal and Puget Sound waters. Also known as the cow shark, the bluntnose sixgill shark is one of the only shark species in the world with six gill slits, rather than the more common five. It is among the largest shark species, capable of reaching lengths of more than 15 feet, and is considered a living relic, having existed largely unchanged for many years;