What does Preamble of ARTIST Act do?

This bill proposes to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. The stated purpose is to protect the cultural practices and livelihoods of producers of Alaska Native handicrafts and marine mammal ivory products.

What does SHORT TITLE. of ARTIST Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Alaska's Right To Ivory Sales and Tradition Act, also known as the ARTIST Act.

What does ALASKA NATIVE HANDICRAFTS. of ARTIST Act do?

This section amends Section 101(b) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to address exemptions for Alaska Natives. It defines terms such as 'authentic Alaska Native article of handicrafts and clothing,' 'marine mammal ivory,' and 'traditional Alaska Native handicrafts.' It provides an exemption from the Act's provisions for Alaska Natives taking marine mammals for subsistence or for creating and selling handicrafts, provided the taking is not wasteful. Items sold in interstate commerce must conform to the definition of 'authentic Alaska Native article of handicrafts and clothing.' Edible portions of marine mammals used for handicrafts can be sold within Alaska for native consumption. If a marine mammal species or stock is depleted, the Secretary can prescribe regulations regarding taking, subject to notice, hearing, and eventual removal when the need disappears. Regulations must be supported by substantial evidence, including Indigenous knowledge, and are subject to legal challenge by Alaska Native organizations.

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ARTIST Act

Last updated: 3/26/2026 · Introduced: 10/6/2025

Author: Nicholas Begich (R-AK)

TL;DR (AI)

The ARTIST Act amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act to exempt Alaska Natives from certain restrictions when taking marine mammals for subsistence or creating and selling handicrafts, provided the taking is not wasteful.
It establishes definitions for terms like 'authentic Alaska Native article of handicrafts and clothing' and 'marine mammal ivory' to clarify the scope of these exemptions.
The bill allows for the sale of edible portions of marine mammals used for handicrafts within Alaska for native consumption, while also enabling regulations to be prescribed if a species or stock is depleted.

119th Congressin committeeS. 254(Passed Senate)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

3 sections

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