GENERAL PROVISIONS

RCW 1.20
in effect

RCW 1.20.010 State flag.

The official flag of the state of Washington shall be of dark green silk or bunting and shall bear in its center a reproduction of the seal of the state of Washington embroidered, printed, painted or stamped thereon. The edges of the flag may, or may not, be fringed. If a fringe is used the same shall be of gold or yellow color of the same shade as the seal. The dimensions of the flag may vary. The secretary of state is authorized to provide the state flag to units of the armed forces, without charge therefor, as in his or her discretion he or she deems entitled thereto. The secretary of state is further authorized to sell the state flag to any citizen at a price to be determined by the secretary of state. The official flag of the state of Washington shall be of dark green silk or bunting and shall bear in its center a reproduction of the seal of the state of Washington embroidered, printed, painted or stamped thereon. The edges of the flag may, or may not, be fringed. If a fringe is used the same shall be of gold or yellow color of the same shade as the seal. The dimensions of the flag may vary. The secretary of state is authorized to provide the state flag to units of the armed forces, without charge therefor, as in his or her discretion he or she deems entitled thereto. The secretary of state is further authorized to sell the state flag to any citizen at a price to be determined by the secretary of state.

RCW 1.20.015 Display of national and state flags.

The flag of the United States and the flag of the state shall be prominently installed, displayed and maintained in schools, court rooms and state buildings. The flag of the United States and the flag of the state shall be prominently installed, displayed and maintained in schools, court rooms and state buildings.

RCW 1.20.017 Display of national league of families' POW/MIA flag.

(1) Each public entity must display the national league of families' POW/MIA flag along with the flag of the United States and the flag of the state upon or near the principal building of the public entity on the following days: (a) Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day on April 9th; (b) Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day on March 30; (c) Armed Forces Day on the third Saturday in May; (d) Memorial Day on the last Monday in May; (e) Flag Day on June 14; (f) Independence Day on July 4; (g) National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day on July 27; (h) National POW/MIA Recognition Day on the third Friday in September; (i) Veterans Day on November 11th; and (j) Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7th. If the designated day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, then the POW/MIA flag must be displayed on the preceding Friday. (2) The governor's veterans affairs advisory committee must provide information to public entities regarding the purchase and display of the POW/MIA flag upon request. (3) As used in this section, "public entity" means every state agency, including each institution of higher education, and every county, city, and town. (1) Each public entity must display the national league of families' POW/MIA flag along with the flag of the United States and the flag of the state upon or near the principal building of the public entity on the following days: (a) Former Prisoners of War Recognition Day on April 9th; (b) Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day on March 30; (c) Armed Forces Day on the third Saturday in May; (d) Memorial Day on the last Monday in May; (e) Flag Day on June 14; (f) Independence Day on July 4; (g) National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day on July 27; (h) National POW/MIA Recognition Day on the third Friday in September; (i) Veterans Day on November 11th; and (j) Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7th. If the designated day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, then the POW/MIA flag must be displayed on the preceding Friday. (2) The governor's veterans affairs advisory committee must provide information to public entities regarding the purchase and display of the POW/MIA flag upon request. (3) As used in this section, "public entity" means every state agency, including each institution of higher education, and every county, city, and town.

RCW 1.20.020 State tree.

That certain evergreen tree known and described as the western hemlock ( Tsuga heterophylla ) is hereby designated as the official tree of the state of Washington. That certain evergreen tree known and described as the western hemlock ( Tsuga heterophylla ) is hereby designated as the official tree of the state of Washington.

RCW 1.20.025 State grass.

Agropyron spicatum , the species of natural grass commonly called "bluebunch wheatgrass," is hereby designated as the official grass of the state of Washington. Agropyron spicatum , the species of natural grass commonly called "bluebunch wheatgrass," is hereby designated as the official grass of the state of Washington.

RCW 1.20.030 State flower.

The native species, Rhododendron macrophyllum , is hereby designated as the official flower of the state of Washington. The native species, Rhododendron macrophyllum , is hereby designated as the official flower of the state of Washington.

RCW 1.20.035 State fruit.

The official fruit of the state of Washington is the apple. The official fruit of the state of Washington is the apple.

RCW 1.20.037 State marine mammal.

The orca, Orcinus orca , is hereby designated as the official marine mammal of the state of Washington. The orca, Orcinus orca , is hereby designated as the official marine mammal of the state of Washington.

RCW 1.20.038 State endemic mammal.

The Olympic marmot, Marmota olympus , is hereby designated as the official endemic mammal of the state of Washington. The Olympic marmot, Marmota olympus , is hereby designated as the official endemic mammal of the state of Washington.

RCW 1.20.040 State bird.

The willow goldfinch is hereby designated as the official bird of the state of Washington. The willow goldfinch is hereby designated as the official bird of the state of Washington.

RCW 1.20.041 State dinosaur.

The Suciasaurus rex is hereby designated as the official dinosaur of the state of Washington. The Suciasaurus rex is hereby designated as the official dinosaur of the state of Washington.

RCW 1.20.042 State fossil.

The Columbian mammoth of North America, Mammuthus columbi , is hereby designated as the official fossil of the state of Washington. The Columbian mammoth of North America, Mammuthus columbi , is hereby designated as the official fossil of the state of Washington.

RCW 1.20.045 State fish.

The species of trout commonly called "steelhead trout" ( Salmo gairdnerii ) is hereby designated as the official fish of the state of Washington. The species of trout commonly called "steelhead trout" ( Salmo gairdnerii ) is hereby designated as the official fish of the state of Washington.

RCW 1.20.047 State insect.

The common green darner dragonfly, Anax junius drury , is hereby designated as the official insect of the state of Washington. The common green darner dragonfly, Anax junius drury , is hereby designated as the official insect of the state of Washington.

RCW 1.20.050 Standard time — Daylight saving time. (Contingent repeal.)

No county, city or other political subdivision of this state shall adopt any provision for the observance of daylight saving time, or any time other than standard, except pursuant to a gubernatorial proclamation declaring an emergency during a period of national war and authorizing such adoption, or unless other than standard time is established on a national basis: PROVIDED, That this section shall not apply to orders made by federal authorities in a local area entirely under federal control. No county, city or other political subdivision of this state shall adopt any provision for the observance of daylight saving time, or any time other than standard, except pursuant to a gubernatorial proclamation declaring an emergency during a period of national war and authorizing such adoption, or unless other than standard time is established on a national basis: PROVIDED, That this section shall not apply to orders made by federal authorities in a local area entirely under federal control.

RCW 1.20.051 Daylight saving time. (Contingent repeal.)

At two o'clock antemeridian Pacific Standard Time of the second Sunday in March each year the time of the state of Washington shall be advanced one hour, and at two o'clock antemeridian Pacific Standard Time of the first Sunday in November in each year the time of the state of Washington shall, by the retarding of one hour, be returned to Pacific Standard Time. At two o'clock antemeridian Pacific Standard Time of the second Sunday in March each year the time of the state of Washington shall be advanced one hour, and at two o'clock antemeridian Pacific Standard Time of the first Sunday in November in each year the time of the state of Washington shall, by the retarding of one hour, be returned to Pacific Standard Time.

RCW 1.20.052 Permanent daylight saving time — Intent. (Contingent repeal.)

Under federal law as it exists on July 28, 2019, states are not permitted to observe daylight saving time year-round. If the United States congress amends federal law to authorize states to observe daylight saving time year-round, the legislature intends that Washington state make daylight saving time the permanent time of the state and all of its political subdivisions. Under federal law as it exists on July 28, 2019, states are not permitted to observe daylight saving time year-round. If the United States congress amends federal law to authorize states to observe daylight saving time year-round, the legislature intends that Washington state make daylight saving time the permanent time of the state and all of its political subdivisions.

RCW 1.20.055 Pacific daylight time. (Contingent effective date.)

(1) The time of the state of Washington and all of its political subdivisions is Pacific daylight time throughout the calendar year, as determined by reference to coordinated universal time. (2) Pacific daylight time within the state is that of the fifth zone designated by federal law as Pacific Standard Time, 15 U.S.C. Secs. 261 and 263, advanced by one hour. (1) The time of the state of Washington and all of its political subdivisions is Pacific daylight time throughout the calendar year, as determined by reference to coordinated universal time. (2) Pacific daylight time within the state is that of the fifth zone designated by federal law as Pacific Standard Time, 15 U.S.C. Secs. 261 and 263, advanced by one hour.

RCW 1.20.060 Arbor day.

The second Wednesday in April of each year is designated as Arbor day. The second Wednesday in April of each year is designated as Arbor day.

RCW 1.20.070 State song.

The song, music and lyrics, "Washington My Home", composed by Helen Davis, is hereby designated as the official song of the state of Washington. The song, music and lyrics, "Washington My Home", composed by Helen Davis, is hereby designated as the official song of the state of Washington.

RCW 1.20.071 State song — Proceeds from sale.

All proceeds from the sale of the official song of the state as designated in RCW 1.20.070 shall be placed in the general fund. All proceeds from the sale of the official song of the state as designated in RCW 1.20.070 shall be placed in the general fund.

RCW 1.20.073 State folk song.

The legislature recognizes that winter recreational activities are part of the folk tradition of the state of Washington. Winter recreational activities serve to turn the darkness of a northwest winter into the dawn of renewed vitality. As the winter snows dissolve into the torrents of spring, the Columbia river is nourished. The Columbia river is the pride of the northwest and the unifying geographic element of the state. In order to celebrate the river which ties the winter recreation playground of snowcapped mountains and the Yakima, Snake, and the Klickitat rivers to the ocean so blue, the legislature declares that the official state folk song is "Roll On Columbia, Roll On," composed by Woody Guthrie. The legislature recognizes that winter recreational activities are part of the folk tradition of the state of Washington. Winter recreational activities serve to turn the darkness of a northwest winter into the dawn of renewed vitality. As the winter snows dissolve into the torrents of spring, the Columbia river is nourished. The Columbia river is the pride of the northwest and the unifying geographic element of the state. In order to celebrate the river which ties the winter recreation playground of snowcapped mountains and the Yakima, Snake, and the Klickitat rivers to the ocean so blue, the legislature declares that the official state folk song is "Roll On Columbia, Roll On," composed by Woody Guthrie.

RCW 1.20.075 State dance.

The square dance is designated as the official dance of the state of Washington. The square dance is designated as the official dance of the state of Washington.

RCW 1.20.080 State seal.

The seal of the state of Washington shall be, a seal encircled with the words: "The Seal of the State of Washington," with the vignette of General George Washington as the central figure, and beneath the vignette the figures "1889" and shall be composed as appears in the illustration below: The seal of the state of Washington shall be, a seal encircled with the words: "The Seal of the State of Washington," with the vignette of General George Washington as the central figure, and beneath the vignette the figures "1889" and shall be composed as appears in the illustration below:

RCW 1.20.090 State gem.

Petrified wood is hereby designated as the official gem of the state of Washington. Petrified wood is hereby designated as the official gem of the state of Washington.

RCW 1.20.100 Diverse cultures and languages encouraged — State policy.

The legislature finds that: (1) Diverse ethnic and linguistic communities have contributed to the social and economic prosperity of Washington state; (2) It is the welcomed responsibility and opportunity of this state to respect and facilitate the efforts of all cultural, ethnic, and linguistic segments of the population to become full participants in Washington communities; (3) This state's economic well-being depends heavily on foreign trade and international exchange and more than one out of six jobs is directly linked to foreign trade and international exchange; (4) If Washington is to prosper in foreign trade and international exchange, it must have citizens that are multilingual and multicultural; (5) While recognizing the value of a multilingual background, the state also encourages all citizens to become proficient in English to facilitate full participation of all groups into society and to promote cross-communication between multilingual groups; and (6) The multilingual nature of communication that currently exists in this state should be promoted to build trust and understanding among all of its citizens. Therefore, it shall be the policy of the state of Washington to welcome and encourage the presence of diverse cultures and the use of diverse languages in business, government, and private affairs in this state. The legislature finds that: (1) Diverse ethnic and linguistic communities have contributed to the social and economic prosperity of Washington state; (2) It is the welcomed responsibility and opportunity of this state to respect and facilitate the efforts of all cultural, ethnic, and linguistic segments of the population to become full participants in Washington communities; (3) This state's economic well-being depends heavily on foreign trade and international exchange and more than one out of six jobs is directly linked to foreign trade and international exchange; (4) If Washington is to prosper in foreign trade and international exchange, it must have citizens that are multilingual and multicultural; (5) While recognizing the value of a multilingual background, the state also encourages all citizens to become proficient in English to facilitate full participation of all groups into society and to promote cross-communication between multilingual groups; and (6) The multilingual nature of communication that currently exists in this state should be promoted to build trust and understanding among all of its citizens. Therefore, it shall be the policy of the state of Washington to welcome and encourage the presence of diverse cultures and the use of diverse languages in business, government, and private affairs in this state.

RCW 1.20.110 State tartan.

The Washington state tartan is hereby designated. The tartan shall have a pattern of colors, called a sett, that is made up of a green background with stripes of blue, white, yellow, red, and black. The secretary of state shall register the tartan with the Scottish Register of Tartans. The Washington state tartan is hereby designated. The tartan shall have a pattern of colors, called a sett, that is made up of a green background with stripes of blue, white, yellow, red, and black. The secretary of state shall register the tartan with the Scottish Register of Tartans.

RCW 1.20.120 State arboretum.

The Washington park arboretum is hereby designated as an official arboretum of the state of Washington. The Washington park arboretum is hereby designated as an official arboretum of the state of Washington.

RCW 1.20.130 Preferred terminology in government documents.

*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2632.SL ) *** (1) All state and local government statutes, codes, rules, regulations, and other official documents enacted after July 1, 2002, are required to use the term "Asian" when referring to persons of Asian descent. The use of the term "Oriental" is prohibited. (2) The legislature urges all state and local entities to review their statutes, codes, rules, regulations, and other official documents and revise them to omit the use of the term "Oriental" when referring to persons of Asian descent. (1) All state and local government statutes, codes, rules, regulations, and other official documents enacted after July 1, 2002, are required to use the term "Asian" when referring to persons of Asian descent. The use of the term "Oriental" is prohibited. (2) The legislature urges all state and local entities to review their statutes, codes, rules, regulations, and other official documents and revise them to omit the use of the term "Oriental" when referring to persons of Asian descent.

RCW 1.20.140 State vegetable.

The Walla Walla sweet onion is designated as the official vegetable of the state of Washington. The Walla Walla sweet onion is designated as the official vegetable of the state of Washington.

RCW 1.20.150 State amphibian.

The Pacific chorus frog, Pseudacris regilla, is hereby designated as the official amphibian of the state of Washington. The Pacific chorus frog, Pseudacris regilla, is hereby designated as the official amphibian of the state of Washington.

RCW 1.20.160 State ship.

The Lady Washington is hereby designated as the official ship of the state of Washington. The Lady Washington is hereby designated as the official ship of the state of Washington.

RCW 1.20.170 State waterfall.

Palouse falls is hereby designated as the official waterfall of the state of Washington. Palouse falls is hereby designated as the official waterfall of the state of Washington.

RCW 1.20.180 State oyster.

The Ostrea lurida is hereby designated the official oyster of the state of Washington. This native oyster species plays an important role in the history and culture that surrounds shellfish in Washington state and along the west coast of the United States. Some of the common and historic names used for this species are Native, Western, Shoalwater, and Olympia. The Ostrea lurida is hereby designated the official oyster of the state of Washington. This native oyster species plays an important role in the history and culture that surrounds shellfish in Washington state and along the west coast of the United States. Some of the common and historic names used for this species are Native, Western, Shoalwater, and Olympia.

RCW 1.20.190 Purple heart state.

Washington state is designated a purple heart state that honors people who have received the purple heart award. Washington state is designated a purple heart state that honors people who have received the purple heart award.

RCW 1.20.200 State sport.

The sport of pickleball is hereby designated as the official sport of the state of Washington. The sport of pickleball is hereby designated as the official sport of the state of Washington.

RCW 1.20.210 Water safety day.

On the day recognized as water safety day under RCW 1.16.050 , individuals who work directly with children, from infants to age 18, in their profession are encouraged to provide training, educational materials, and other resources to the children and their families around water safety, water rescue, and drowning prevention, including a list of locations where caregivers can access swimming lessons for their children. On the day recognized as water safety day under RCW 1.16.050 , individuals who work directly with children, from infants to age 18, in their profession are encouraged to provide training, educational materials, and other resources to the children and their families around water safety, water rescue, and drowning prevention, including a list of locations where caregivers can access swimming lessons for their children.

RCW 1.20.220 State marine forest.

Bull kelp ( Nereocystis luetkeana ) forests are hereby designated to be the official marine forest of the state of Washington. Bull kelp ( Nereocystis luetkeana ) forests are hereby designated to be the official marine forest of the state of Washington.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=1.20&full=trueFetched: 6/28/2026