ThePolitibase
H.R. 5694IntroducedNATIVE AMERICANS

ARTIST Act

Alaska · Alaska Natives and Hawaiians · Historical and cultural resources
Sponsor
Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]
R · AK
Key facts
Introduced: Oct 6, 2025
Chamber: House
Cosponsors: 0
Congress: 119th
Latest action · May 14, 2026
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.

Summary

Alaska’s Right To Ivory Sales and Tradition Act or the ARTIST Act

This 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.

Summary by Congressional Research Service.

Timeline

  1. May 14, 2026
    Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
  2. May 14, 2026
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  3. May 14, 2026
    Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
  4. Mar 26, 2026
    Subcommittee Hearings Held
  5. Mar 19, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
  6. Oct 6, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
  7. Oct 6, 2025
    Introduced in House
  8. Oct 6, 2025
    Introduced in House

In the News

View official record on Congress.gov →
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