Plain Language Summary
# ARTIST Act Summary **What the bill does:** The ARTIST Act would prevent states from banning the sale and trade of marine mammal products—such as ivory, bone, and baleen—when these materials are legally harvested and crafted by Alaska Natives into traditional handicrafts and clothing. Currently, some states have broad restrictions on these products that can block Alaska Native artisans from selling their traditional goods across state lines. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily benefits Alaska Native communities and artisans who have historically harvested marine mammals like whales and walruses as part of their cultural traditions. It also affects consumers in other states who wish to purchase authentic Alaska Native crafts.
Wildlife conservation groups have expressed concerns about the potential impact on marine mammal populations. **Current status:** The bill passed the Senate and is now pending consideration in the House. It represents a tension between protecting Alaska Native cultural practices and traditional harvesting rights versus enforcing wildlife protection laws that exist in other states.
CRS Official Summary
Alaska’s Right To Ivory Sales and Tradition Act or the ARTIST ActThis bill prohibits states from imposing bans on marine mammal products produced by Alaska Natives.Specifically, states may not prohibit the importation, sale, transfer, trade, barter, or possession of marine mammal ivory, marine mammal bone, or baleen legally produced by an Alaska Native as an authentic Alaska Native article of handicrafts and clothing.
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