Measure AB1540, which would give California an official state dinosaur, passed the California Senate with a unanimous, 40-0, vote. The measure was authored by Assemblymember Richard Bloom, who represents Malibu among other communities such as Santa Monica, Agoura Hills, Topanga and Beverly Hills.
The state’s dinosaur would be Augustynolophus morrisi (“Auggie”), a duck-billed dinosaur that roamed what is now California 66 million years ago. Its fossils are the most complete set to have been found in the state.
“Last week, as Californians of all ages and background gazed at the solar eclipse, we were reminded that scientific events and insignia have a remarkable ability to inspire us,” Bloom said in a statement.
The measure heads to the governor’s office for a signature to make California’s prehistoric representative official.