HI HB493

Establishes a new offense of unlawful sale or trade of ivory products, prohibiting any person from importing, selling, offering to sell, or possessing with intent to sell ivory from elephants, hippopotamuses, walruses, whales, or narwhals.

Imposes penalties of a misdemeanor with fines of at least $1,000 or twice the ivory product value (whichever is greater) for first offense, and a class C felony with fines of at least $5,000 or twice the value for subsequent offenses.

Creates exemptions for persons with federal authorization, employees conducting law enforcement activities, and sellers who provide documentation proving the ivory was legally imported before 1975 (Asian elephant) or 1990 (African elephant) and is an antique meeting federal definition.

Requires exemption documentation to include DNA analysis, qualified appraisal, or chain of ownership analysis to definitively identify the species and demonstrate the product meets federal antique standards.

Authorizes forfeiture of seized ivory products, which may be destroyed or offered to entities with permits for educational or scientific activities.