In response to the recent federal raids on Gibson Guitars, two Tennessee lawmakers unveiled a plan Thursday that would amend the U.S. Lacey Act, according to The Tennesean.
The amendment, filed by Democrat Rep. Jim Cooper and Republican Rep. Marsha Blackburn, would require federal agencies to compile and make public a database of wood import and export laws for each nation; eliminate penalties for those who unknowingly violate the act; reduce the paperwork required for importers and exporters of plant and wood products; and exempt guitars, antiques and other items manufactured before May 22, 2008 (when the law was last amended to include provisions to fight illegal logging). The amendment is also sponsored by Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.).
On Sept. 19, the Departments of the Interior and Justice sent Rep. Blackburn a letter stating, "People who unknowingly possess a musical instrument or other object containing wood that was illegally taken … do not have criminal exposure" under the Lacey Act. "The Federal Government focuses its enforcement efforts on those who are removing protected species from the wild and making a profit by trafficking in them."
Yet Cooper told the Tennessean that the letter wasn't reassuring to most people, and that the law still needs to be clarified. He also told the newspaper that the proposed changes will not have an effect on the ongoing investigation of Gibson Guitars.
"All too often we find that the regulations coming from bureaucrats in Washington have unintended consequences on the manufacturers, dealers, and consumers of goods and services in this country," Blackburn said in a release. "The selective and excessive enforcement of these regulations are killing jobs and striking fear into the hearts of those who may unknowingly be in violation of the law."
On his website, Cooper posted a one-page summary, section-by-section explanation, and complete text of the bill. Other notable supporters of the amendment include the International Wood Products Manufacturers Association and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
The Hardwood Federation, of which the NWFA is a part, does not support amending the Lacey Act.
