Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition Act
Alaska Native Ivory and Handicraft Protections
ARTIST Act
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
↔Companion bill: ARTIST Act: Protecting Alaska Native Ivory CraftsThe ARTIST Act has passed both the Senate and the House and is now moving toward final approval. Although it has a companion bill in the House, that version is not currently moving forward. The bill is actively progressing through the final stages of the legislative process.
Companion bill: ARTIST Act: Protecting Alaska Native Ivory Crafts →Legislative Progress
The bill has already passed both the House and the Senate and is waiting for the final signature to become law.
Key Points
- This bill protects the rights of Alaska Natives to make and sell traditional items like jewelry and clothing made from walrus ivory or whale bone. It updates a 1972 law to make it clear that these items are legal to sell across state lines as long as they are handmade by Alaska Natives living on the coast.
- The law stops individual states from banning the sale or ownership of these genuine Alaska Native crafts. This is important because some states have passed laws against ivory that made it hard for Alaska Native artists to sell their traditional work to people in other parts of the country.
- To count as genuine, the items must be made using natural materials and traditional methods like carving, weaving, or beading. Artists are not allowed to use mass-production machines or copying tools to make these products.
- The government can still set rules if a specific animal species becomes endangered or its population gets too low. However, officials must provide clear evidence and hold public hearings before they can limit how many animals can be used for crafts. They must also consider traditional knowledge from local people when making these decisions.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
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).
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
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).
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3794)
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.
Vote Results
1 voteOn Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
News
No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
ARTIST Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(1)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.