Committee advances Artist Act to let Alaska Native ivory handicrafts be sold outside Alaska

The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on Thursday ordered the Artist Act to be favorably reported. The measure, sponsored by Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, would prohibit states from banning the importation, sale or possession of Alaska Native handicrafts made of ivory that are legal under federal law.

Senator Dan Sullivan described the measure as a clarification of existing federal law, saying Alaska Native artisans have legally harvested and crafted walrus ivory and other materials for generations and that some state bans intended to address African elephant ivory have unintentionally restricted legal Alaskan work. Sullivan said the bill “does not authorize any additional take of marine mammals” but allows existing handcrafted products to be sold outside Alaska, increasing economic opportunities for Native families.

The committee record shows unanimous bipartisan support for the measure during markup. Supporters noted endorsements from Alaska authorities and framed the bill as ensuring that lawful, culturally significant handicrafts may be shared with visitors and sold in the Lower 48.

The markup included a brief recognition of the Coast Guard nominees and other agenda items; Sullivan thanked the chairman and ranking member for getting the Artist Act on the markup and recorded appreciation for the committee’s unanimous support.

No amendment altering the bill’s core prohibition on state bans was recorded in the markup. Committee members emphasized the bill clarifies the intersection of federal wildlife and indigenous‑rights law with state efforts to regulate ivory.