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Congress·Passed Senate·S. 254

Alaska Native Ivory and Handicraft Protections

ARTIST Act

5 months ago·View on Congress.gov
Part of: ARTIST Act
⏸

Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

↔Companion bill: ARTIST Act: Protecting Alaska Native Ivory Crafts

Legislative Progress

✓ Senate
House
President
Law

Key Points

  • This bill protects the rights of Alaska Natives living on the coast to hunt marine mammals for food and to create traditional handicrafts from materials like walrus ivory and bone.
  • It defines 'authentic' handicrafts as items made by hand using traditional methods like carving, weaving, or beading, and specifically bans the use of mass-production machines for these items.
  • The law prevents individual states from banning the sale or trade of these authentic Alaska Native items, ensuring artists can sell their work across state lines without legal trouble.
  • While the government can still limit hunting if a species becomes endangered, officials must now provide clear evidence and consider Indigenous knowledge before making those rules.
  • This measure is designed to support the livelihoods of rural Alaskans and preserve cultural traditions that have been passed down for generations.

Milestones

6 milestones10 actions
Oct 10, 2025House

Held at the desk.

Oct 10, 2025House

Received in the House.

Oct 8, 2025Senate

Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Oct 8, 2025Senate

Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7007-7009; text: CR S7008)

Oct 8, 2025

Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.

Related Bills

1 bill
H.R. 5694Identical bill

ARTIST Act

Oct 6 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

ARTIST Act

Bill NumberS 254
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionHeld at the desk.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.