ARTIST Act
- Bill Number
- S. 254
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Native Americans
- Status
- Became Law
- Became Law
- Public Law 119-99
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-12: Became Public Law No: 119-99.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-22T16:55:33Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to protect the cultural practices and economic activities of Alaska Natives who produce handicrafts and items from marine mammal parts, such as ivory.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: Introduces clear terms including "authentic Alaska Native article of handicrafts and clothing" (items made wholly or significantly from natural materials using traditional methods by qualifying Alaska Natives without mass-production tools), "marine mammal ivory" (teeth or tusks from walruses or cetaceans), and "traditional Alaska Native handicrafts" (activities like carving, weaving, beading, and painting).
- Exemption: Allows Alaska Natives residing in Alaska on the North Pacific or Arctic coasts to take marine mammals for subsistence or to create and sell authentic handicraft articles, provided the taking is not wasteful. Edible portions may be sold for Native consumption in Alaska villages or towns.
- Interstate Commerce Rules: Items must meet the authenticity definition to be sold across state lines.
- Limitations and Regulations: If a marine mammal species or stock is deemed depleted, the Secretary may issue regulations on taking, limited to specific species, areas, seasons, or other factors. These require notice, hearing, and removal once the need ends.
- Evidence Standard: Regulations, assessments, or depletion findings must be supported by substantial evidence in writing, made publicly available, and consider Indigenous knowledge; this applies only in actions brought by Alaska Native organizations.
- State Prohibitions: No state may ban interstate commerce, sales, or possession of marine mammal ivory, bone, or baleen incorporated into authentic handicraft articles by Alaska Natives.
- Rule of Construction: Preserves existing rights of Indian Tribes and government-to-government consultations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands the prior exemption under Section 101(b) to explicitly cover creation and sale of handicrafts, including interstate sales under defined conditions.
- Adds detailed definitions and a prohibition on state-level restrictions on commerce involving these items.
- Introduces requirements that regulatory decisions consider Indigenous knowledge and meet a "substantial evidence" standard in writing.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Requires the Secretary to document decisions with evidence and Indigenous knowledge input, potentially increasing administrative processes for marine mammal management.
- On citizens: Supports Alaska Native artisans by clarifying legal pathways for selling traditional products while maintaining conservation limits.
- On international relations: Limited direct effects, though clarified domestic rules on marine mammal products could indirectly influence trade perceptions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Alaska Native communities and handicraft producers.
- Federal agencies responsible for marine mammal oversight.
- State governments regarding commerce rules.
- Conservation organizations monitoring marine mammal populations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Strengthens legal protections for Alaska Native cultural and economic activities under federal wildlife law.
- Incorporates Indigenous knowledge into regulatory processes, which may affect how depletion determinations are made.
- Balances marine mammal conservation with Native exemptions without altering broader tribal rights or consultation requirements.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-12: Became Public Law No: 119-99.
- 2026-06-12: Became Public Law No: 119-99.
- 2026-06-12: Signed by President.
- 2026-06-12: Signed by President.
- 2026-06-08: Presented to President.
- 2026-06-08: Presented to President.
- 2026-06-03: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-06-03: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 - 14 (Roll no. 193). (Roll call 193)
- 2026-06-03: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 - 14 (Roll no. 193). (Roll call 193)
- 2026-06-03: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3794)
- 2026-06-02: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- 2026-06-02: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 254.
- 2026-06-02: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3765-3766; text: CR H3765)
- 2026-06-02: Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2025-10-10: Held at the desk.
Bill Versions
- Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition Act — issued 2026-06-05 — PDF (3 pages)
- Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition Act — issued 2025-10-08 — PDF (8 pages)
- Alaska’s Right To Ivory Sales and Tradition Act — issued 2025-01-24 — PDF (6 pages)
- Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition Act — issued 2025-10-06 — PDF (12 pages)