Bill · H.R. 8401· House(119-HR-8401)
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
- 4/21/2026
- Last activity
- 6/3/2026 — Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Sponsored by
- Nicholas Begich
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill proposes an amendment to the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. The goal is to allow for the transport, purchase, and sale of specific sea otter products. This specifically applies to northern sea otters from the Southcentral and Southeast Alaska stocks that are taken for subsistence purposes. It covers pelts as well as handicrafts, garments, and art produced from those pelets.
Yes· 3 of 6
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+5
The bill supports subsistence-based economic activities that are often central to Native Alaskan communities and traditional crafts.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+4
The bill supports economic development in rural Alaska by allowing the sale of subsistence-derived handicrafts and art.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+4
The bill allows individuals to engage in the commercial sale and export of subsistence-derived goods.
The opposite
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-1
The bill eases restrictions on the commercialization of sea otter pelts and derived products.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Commercial opportunities for subsistence products: The bill would allow for the transport, purchase, sale, or even export of items like handicrafts, garments, or art made from the pelts of northern sea otters taken for subsistence in Southcentral or Southeast Alaska (Section 1).
-
Flexibility in product creation: People creating these items would be able to sell their work regardless of whether the items are traditional or contemporary, or if they have been significantly altered (Section 1).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+5Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Low Income Households+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+4Increases Job Creation+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Trade+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections-1
- 6/3/2026
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 5/29/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
- 4/21/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House