H.R. 6021: Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act

This bill, titled the "Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act," aims to clarify how authentic Alaska Native handicrafts that include nonedible parts of migratory birds are treated under the existing Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The bill's main points are as follows:

Purpose of the Bill

The bill's purpose is to amend the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to ensure that authentic Alaska Native articles of handicraft are treated consistently across international agreements that protect migratory birds. These agreements are between the United States and several other nations, including Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia.

Clarifications Provided

The bill provides a specific definition for:

• Alaska Native: A member of any federally recognized Indian Tribe in Alaska, validated by documentation such as a Tribal enrollment card or a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood.
• Authentic Alaska Native Article of Handicraft: An item that is primarily made of natural materials collected or gifted, crafted or decorated significantly by an Alaska Native, using traditional methods and not mass-produced.

Exemptions for Handicrafts

The bill states that authentic Alaska Native handicrafts that contain nonedible migratory bird parts can be legally possessed, sold, bartered, or transported without violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as long as the parts were not obtained illegally or wastefully.

Administration of the Bill

After the enactment of this bill, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Interior are required to:

• Establish procedures with other countries that are parties to the relevant treaties to clarify the treatment of these Alaska Native handicrafts.
• Modify regulations under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act as necessary to align with the amendments introduced by this Act.

Technical Amendments

The bill also includes a minor technical amendment to insert a comma for clarity in the text of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Relevant Companies

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