AN ACT Relating to designating the Pacific razor clam as the state clam;
Summary
SB 5560 designates the Pacific razor clam (Siliqua patula) as the official clam of the State of Washington. The bill adds a new section to chapter 1 RCW stating that the Pacific razor clam is the state clam, and it includes legislative findings describing the species as endemic to the Pacific Northwest, abundant on Washington’s sandy coastal beaches, and deeply tied to the state’s cultural identity and coastal traditions.
The measure emphasizes the razor clam’s role in subsistence, recreational, and commercial harvesting, particularly for coastal Indigenous peoples and generations of Washington residents. It also highlights the species’ importance to outdoor recreation, family activity, public health, and the coastal economy, framing the designation as recognition of an existing and widely valued Washington tradition rather than a regulatory change.
Impact
The bill has a narrow legal effect: it amends Washington law by creating a new statutory designation for the Pacific razor clam as the official state clam. It does not change harvest rules, wildlife management authority, environmental protections, or commercial licensing requirements, but it does add to the list of official state symbols in the Revised Code of Washington and may be used in educational, ceremonial, and promotional contexts.
Sentiment
The available text reflects strongly positive sentiment toward the bill. The legislative findings use celebratory language, describing the razor clam as an icon of Washington and a worthy state symbol because of its cultural, recreational, and economic significance. No opposing testimony, committee controversy, or recorded votes are provided, so the bill appears to have been presented as a symbolic and broadly agreeable recognition measure.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the materials provided. The only potential point of debate would be whether the Legislature should create another official state symbol, but the bill text itself frames the designation as a reflection of longstanding cultural importance and sustainable management. No committee transcript or vote record is available showing opposition, fiscal concerns, or disagreement over the choice of species.