Bill > HR5694

This bill, known as the Alaska's Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition Act or ARTIST Act, amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to safeguard the cultural practices and economic well-being of Alaska Native peoples who create and sell handicrafts made from marine mammal ivory. It defines "authentic Alaska Native article of handicrafts and clothing" as items made from natural materials, produced using traditional methods by Alaska Natives residing on the coast without mass-production tools, and clarifies that "marine mammal ivory" includes walrus tusks and cetacean teeth. The bill exempts Alaska Natives living on the coast from certain prohibitions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act if they are taking marine mammals for subsistence or to create and sell these authentic handicrafts, provided it's not done wastefully. It also allows for the sale of such items in interstate commerce if they meet the definition of authentic handicrafts, and permits the sale of edible portions of marine mammals for native consumption. While generally protecting these activities, the bill allows the Secretary to implement regulations if a marine mammal species becomes depleted, but these regulations must be based on substantial evidence, including Indigenous knowledge, and are subject to notice and hearing requirements. Importantly, the bill prohibits states from restricting the interstate commerce or sale of marine mammal ivory or bone incorporated into authentic Alaska Native handicrafts and clothing, and clarifies that it does not impact existing rights of Indian Tribes or government-to-government consultations.