Senate committee advances Artist Act to allow sale of Alaska Native handicrafts outside state

The Senate Commerce Committee ordered favorably reported the Artist Act (referred to in markup as the ARTIS Act), legislation that would prohibit states from banning the importation, sale, or possession of Alaska Native handicrafts made from legally harvested marine mammal materials.

Senator Dan Sullivan said the bill does not authorize additional take of marine mammals and described the measure as aimed at preserving cultural traditions and increasing economic opportunities for Alaska Native artists. He said handicrafts such as carvings made from walrus ivory and whale baleen are legal under federal law and that some state bans have unintentionally restricted lawful Alaska Native art.

Senators emphasized the bill balances cultural preservation and commerce without expanding marine mammal harvests. The committee ordered S.254 (Artist Act as amended) to be reported favorably; the markup record shows unanimous committee support for reporting multiple bills together.

Committee members did not attach an implementation timetable in the markup; sponsors said the measure clarifies federal preemption where state laws have impeded lawful Alaska Native sales outside Alaska.