S. 254 Became law · Public Law 119-99 Native Americans

Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition Act

A bill to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to protect the cultural practices and livelihoods of producers of Alaska Native handicrafts and marine mammal ivory products, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK] Introduced January 24, 2025 Cosponsors 1 (1 R) Latest action June 12, 2026

Summary

Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition Act or the ARTIST Act
This act prohibits states from imposing bans on marine mammal products produced by Alaska Natives.
Specifically, states may not prohibit the interstate commerce, 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 the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Roll-call votes

  • HouseJun 3, 2026·Roll 193·S. 254
    ARTIST Act
    On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
    Passed404–14
    R 196–14 D 207–0 I 1–0

Actions

  1. Jun 12, 2026 Became Public Law No: 119-99.
  2. Jun 12, 2026 Signed by President.
  3. Jun 8, 2026 Presented to President.
  4. Jun 3, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  5. Jun 3, 2026 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 - 14 (Roll no. 193).
  6. Jun 3, 2026 Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3794)
  7. Jun 2, 2026 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
  8. Jun 2, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 254.
  9. Jun 2, 2026 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3765-3766; text: CR H3765)
  10. Jun 2, 2026 Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
  11. Oct 10, 2025 Held at the desk.
  12. Oct 10, 2025 Received in the House.

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