A bill that would declare Washington a Purple Heart State, a ceremonial designation to honor members of the armed services who have been killed or wounded in action, unanimously passed in the state House of Representatives on Tuesday with a vote of 96 to zero, with two members excused.
House Bill 1250 was introduced Jan. 18 and, if read into law, authorizes state departments to erect signs — especially at the entry points to the state — recognizing that Washington is a Purple Heart State and allows departments to accept gifts or donations to cover the cost of the signs.
The bill will now go to the Senate.
Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-Kalama, was the primary sponsor of the bill. He said he put the bill forward with encouragement from Lewis County resident Mary Astrid.
Lewis County became a Purple Heart County in November 2019.
