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119-s-255119th Congress

Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act

Sponsored By: Senator Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]

Introduced

Summary

Creates an exception so authentic Alaska Native handicrafts that include nonedible migratory bird parts can be legally possessed and traded. It defines who counts as an Alaska Native artisan and what qualifies as an authentic handicraft.

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  • Alaska Native artisans and communities: Would be able to possess, offer for sale, sell, barter, ship, and transport authentic handicrafts that contain nonedible migratory bird parts when the item meets material and craft criteria and is made by a verified Alaska Native.
  • Buyers, sellers, and markets: Would be allowed to buy and move those authentic items so long as the migratory bird parts were not taken in a wasteful or illegal manner.
  • Federal agencies and treaty partners: The Departments of State and Interior must set bilateral procedures with treaty countries and update MBTA regulations within 180 days to implement the change.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Alaska Native artisans can sell crafts

If enacted, the bill would allow possession, sale, barter, purchase, shipment, and transport of authentic Alaska Native articles of handicraft that contain nonedible migratory bird parts. The item must be mostly natural materials found, foraged, or gifted and made or decorated in significant part by an Alaska Native using traditional handicraft methods without mass-copying devices. Alaska Native status must be shown by a Tribal enrollment card, a Bureau of Indian Affairs Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB), or a Silver Hand permit. The exception would not apply if the bird parts were taken in a wasteful or illegal way. This change would take effect upon enactment.

Federal treaty and regulation updates

If enacted, the bill would require the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Interior to act within 180 days. They must establish bilateral procedures with treaty countries as needed and modify MBTA regulations to reflect the new treatment of authentic Alaska Native handicrafts with nonedible bird parts. The goal is to clarify international and regulatory rules for trade, shipping, and possession of those items.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]

AK • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]

    AK • R

    Sponsored 1/24/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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