What does Preamble of ARTIST Act do?

This bill is formally titled Alaska's Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition Act. The Act amends 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 or the ARTIST Act

What does ALASKA NATIVE HANDICRAFTS. of ARTIST Act do?

This section amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to exempt Alaska Natives from certain provisions. The exemption applies to the taking of marine mammals for subsistence purposes or for creating and selling authentic Alaska Native articles of handicrafts and clothing. The Secretary may prescribe regulations on the taking of marine mammals by Alaska Natives if a species or stock is determined to be depleted. Regulations must be supported by substantial evidence and be made publicly available. No State can prohibit the interstate commerce of marine mammal ivory or bone incorporated into authentic Alaska Native handicrafts.

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ARTIST Act

Last updated: 6/12/2026 · Introduced: 1/24/2025

Author: Dan Sullivan (R-AK)

TL;DR (AI)

The ARTIST Act amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act to permit Alaska Natives to harvest marine mammals for subsistence and to create and sell handicrafts, provided it is not wasteful.
This bill allows the interstate sale of authentic Alaska Native handicrafts and clothing incorporating marine mammal ivory, while prohibiting states from restricting such commerce.
The Act establishes definitions for key terms and requires regulations regarding marine mammal taking by Alaska Natives to be supported by substantial evidence, including Indigenous knowledge.

119th CongressenactedHR. 5694(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, <<note: 16 usc 1361 note.>> short title., and 1 more.

3 sections

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