Law protects export of sacred Native American items from US

Leola One Feather, left, of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, observes as John Willis photographs Native American artifacts on July 19 at the Founders Museum in Barre, Mass. Federal penalties have increased under a newly signed law Dec. 21 intended to protect the cultural patrimony of Native American tribes. (AP Photo/Philip Marcelo, File)

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Federal penalties have increased under a newly signed law intended to protect the cultural patrimony of Native American tribes, immediately making some crimes a felony and doubling the prison time for anyone convicted of multiple offenses.