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To amend the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act to make certain technical corrections to facilitate the lawful trade and collecting of numismatic materials.

2/1/2025, 9:05 AM

Summary of Bill HR 595

Bill 119 hr 595, also known as the "Cultural Property Implementation Act Amendment," aims to make technical corrections to the existing Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act. The main goal of this bill is to facilitate the lawful trade and collecting of numismatic materials, which are items such as coins, currency, and medals that hold historical or cultural significance.

The bill seeks to address certain issues and inconsistencies within the current legislation that may be hindering the trade and collecting of numismatic materials. By making these technical corrections, the bill aims to streamline the process for individuals and businesses involved in the numismatic industry, ensuring that they can continue to engage in lawful activities without unnecessary barriers.

Overall, the purpose of Bill 119 hr 595 is to promote the lawful trade and collecting of numismatic materials while also upholding the principles of cultural property protection. It is important to note that this bill is non-partisan and focuses solely on making technical corrections to existing legislation in order to benefit those involved in the numismatic industry.

Congressional Summary of HR 595

This bill revises the standard for providing satisfactory evidence to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding the importation of numismatic material (i.e., coins, tokens, paper money, medals, and related objects) into the United States.

Current law generally prohibits the importation of designated archaeological or ethnological material that is exported from certain countries that are a party to the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. Importation is allowed if the country issues a certification or other documentation certifying the exportation was not in violation of the country's laws. The United States implements its obligations through the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act.

Under current law, CBP must seize imports of designated archaeological or ethnological material unless the importer establishes by certain documentation or satisfactory evidence that the material is admissible into the United States. 

This bill specifies the standard for satisfactory evidence with respect to numismatic material. Specifically, the bill allows for the import of numismatic material with evidence that the numismatic material was acquired and exported lawfully, is of a known type, and is not known to be the direct product of illicit excavations within certain countries after the effective date for any import restrictions on such material. 

The bill prohibits CBP, when reviewing satisfactory evidence, from requiring other documentation unless there is probable cause to believe the presented evidence is false or fraudulent.

Current Status of Bill HR 595

Bill HR 595 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 21, 2025. Bill HR 595 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 21, 2025.  Bill HR 595's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. as of January 21, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 595

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
4
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
3
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 595

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 595

To amend the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act to make certain technical corrections to facilitate the lawful trade and collecting of numismatic materials.
To amend the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act to make certain technical corrections to facilitate the lawful trade and collecting of numismatic materials.

Comments

Rebecca Schroeder profile image

Rebecca Schroeder

689

1 year ago

I think this bill is good for us, but how will it impact us in the long run?