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.

5/30/2026, 8:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 8401

The bill titled "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" was introduced in the 119th Congress as H.R. 8401 on April 21, 2026. The bill aims to modify the existing legislation to permit the transport, buying, and selling of pelts from northern sea otters in Southcentral and Southeast Alaska, as well as products like handicrafts, garments, and art made from these otters but only when they are taken for subsistence reasons.

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Current Status of Bill HR 8401

Bill HR 8401 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 21, 2026. Bill HR 8401 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on April 21, 2026. Bill HR 8401's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. as of May 29, 2026

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 8401

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

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Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 8401

Primary Policy Focus

Animals

Alternate Title(s) of Bill 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.