Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition Act
Last recorded step: Became Law, Jun 12, 2026.
Prohibits states from banning the sale, trade, or possession of authentic Alaska Native handicrafts made from marine mammal ivory or bone.
What it does
This law prohibits states from banning marine mammal products that are legally produced by Alaska Natives. It specifically protects the interstate commerce, sale, and possession of marine mammal ivory, bone, or baleen when used in authentic Alaska Native handicrafts and clothing.
Who is affected
This act affects Alaska Natives who produce authentic handicrafts and clothing using marine mammal ivory, bone, or baleen. It also impacts state governments by prohibiting them from enforcing bans on the possession, sale, or interstate commerce of these legally produced items. Additionally, individuals and entities involved in the trade, transfer, or barter of these Alaska Native articles are affected by the removal of state-level restrictions.
Key provisions
- Prohibition on state bans of Alaska Native marine mammal products. The act prevents states from enacting or enforcing bans on marine mammal products that are produced by Alaska Natives.
- Protection of interstate commerce and possession. States are prohibited from restricting the interstate commerce, sale, transfer, trade, or possession of marine mammal ivory, bone, or baleen. This protection applies specifically to items legally produced by Alaska Natives as authentic handicrafts and clothing.
Fiscal impact
- S. 254, ARTIST Act· As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on June 25, 2025
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
This act limits the authority of states to regulate marine mammal products by prohibiting them from banning the commerce, possession, or transfer of ivory, bone, or baleen handicrafts legally produced by Alaska Natives.
Stated purpose
The act aims to protect the ability of Alaska Natives to engage in the commerce and possession of authentic handicrafts and clothing made from marine mammal ivory, bone, or baleen by prohibiting states from imposing bans on these legally produced products.