Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act
Sponsored By: Representative Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]
In Committee
Summary
Protects authentic Alaska Native handicrafts that include nonedible migratory bird parts. This bill would define who counts as Alaska Native and what an authentic article of handicraft is, and it would say those items are not prohibited under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act so long as the bird parts were not taken wastefully or illegally.
Show full summary
- Alaska Native artisans and communities would be able to possess, sell, barter, ship, and transport authentic handicrafts containing nonedible migratory bird parts without MBTA-based prohibition, provided the parts were not taken unlawfully or wastefully.
- People who buy, sell, or ship these items would see clearer legal protection for trade and transport because the bill explicitly lists covered activities like sale, shipment, and carrying.
- The bill would set clear verification and content rules by defining "Alaska Native" via tribal enrollment card, a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood, or a Silver Hand permit, and by defining "authentic Alaska Native article of handicraft" as items largely made from natural materials and crafted in traditional ways without mass copying.
- Federal action and international coordination would be required to make the changes work. The Secretary of State must work with the Secretary of the Interior to negotiate bilateral treaty procedures, and the Interior Secretary must update MBTA regulations, with those steps starting within 180 days of enactment.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Protect Alaska Native handicrafts
If enacted, the bill would protect Alaska Native handicrafts that include nonedible migratory bird parts. You would be able to possess, sell, barter, ship, and transport authentic Alaska Native articles of handicraft that contain nonedible bird parts. This protection would not apply if the bird part was taken wastefully or illegally. You would prove Alaska Native status with a Tribal enrollment card, a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB), or a Silver Hand permit. The Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Interior would negotiate treaty clarifications and update Migratory Bird Treaty Act regulations within 180 days after enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]
AK • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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