Historic, archeologic, or prehistoric items and antiquities
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
(a) Violation of Regulations Authorized by Chapter 3201 of Title 54. A person that violates any of the regulations authorized by chapter 3201 of title 54 shall be and be adjudged to pay all cost of the proceedings.
(b) Appropriation of, Injury to, or Destruction of Historic or Prehistoric Ruin or Monument or Object of Antiquity.—A person that appropriates, excavates, injures, or destroys any historic or prehistoric ruin or monument or any other object of antiquity that is situated on land owned or controlled by the Federal Government without the permission of the head of the Federal agency having jurisdiction over the land on which the object is situated, shall be imprisoned not more than 90 days, , or both.
History: (Added Pub. L. 113–287, §4(a)(1), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3261.)
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime to violate the federal regulations protecting antiquities. It is also a crime to take, dig up, damage, or destroy any historic or prehistoric ruin, monument, or ancient object on federal land without the managing agency's permission.