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BillHR 8401 · 119

To amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow the transport, purchase, and sale of pelts of, and handicrafts, garments, and art produced from, Southcentral and Southeast Alaska northern sea otters that are taken for subsistence purposes.

Introduced
Apr 21, 2026
Cosponsors
0
Traction
0
Last Action
Jun 3, 2026

Bill Summary

Allows the transport, purchase, and sale of products made from Southcentral and Southeast Alaska northern sea otters that are hunted for subsistence purposes. This includes items like pelts, handicrafts, garments, and art.

Sponsored By

Nicholas J. Begich III
Republican · Alaska · House

Bill Journey

  1. Apr 21, 2026
  2. Jun 3, 2026You Are Here

    The bill was sent to committee, where members study it, hold hearings, and decide whether to advance it.

  3. TBD

    The committee will review the bill, debate amendments, and vote on whether to advance it to the full chamber.

  4. TBD

    The full chamber debates the bill, may amend it, and votes on whether to pass it.

  5. TBD

    If passed by the first chamber, the other chamber considers, may amend, and votes on the bill.

  6. TBD

    If passed by both chambers, the bill goes to the President to sign into law or veto.

Why It Matters

This bill affects Alaska Natives and other individuals who hunt northern sea otters for subsistence, as well as artisans and businesses that create products from sea otter materials, by potentially creating a market for their handicrafts and other items. It may also impact conservation efforts and the sea otter population in Southcentral and Southeast Alaska.

Impact Areas

Sample
Addresses Supply
Targets an underlying shortage driving costs.
Supports Families
Aimed at easing pressure on working households.
Long-term Impact
Effects compound across multiple budget cycles.
Expands Access
Lowers barriers for first-time participants.

Support & Opposition

Sponsor & cosponsor support by party
1backer
  • Republican1
Cross-party cosponsors0 · 0%

Documents

1

Full text opens on congress.gov, the official source.

Bill Details

Bill TypeHouse Bill · Federal
Primary TopicPlanet & Climate
CommitteeHouse Committee (sample)Sample
IntroducedApr 21, 2026
Last UpdatedJun 3, 2026
Latest ActionSubcommittee Hearings Held
Subjects
  • Climate
  • Culture

Summary and impact analysis written by Judy (KnowGov's enrichment AI). Bill metadata, status, sponsor, and any floor votes from Prism. Sections marked “Sample” are placeholders not yet connected to live data.