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I've heard very recently about the upcoming sale of the Tyrannosaurus Rex Skull Maximus and I'm horrified another priceless dinosaur specimen is once again out of the hands of science and into the hands of the ultra rich. This Smithsonian article is a great summary of what's happening, though it incorrectly states the specimen's age at 76 Million years old (T-Rex lived between 68-66 Million Years ago). https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-t-rex-skull-named-maximus-could-fetch-15-to-20-million-at-auction-180981116/ Though the fossil trade occurs around the world, this problem seems to be most concentrated in the United States as of recent. I think it's about time that the U.S revisit its national laws and pass reform to the trade of large fossil vertebrates. For one thing, there could be a requirement that the only ones allowed to participate in auctions like the Maximus one should be Reputable Museums since this is dealing with the Earth's collective heritage and (so Museum's aren't bankrupt by paying gigantic amounts of money to buy fossils from Private landowners), the State where a large vertebrate fossil was found in should cover the full payment within a reasonable period (maybe a month to 12 months) to the landowner and give the fossil to the Museum so everyone can have a chance to study the fossilized specimens. This is just me spitballing some ideas, but what do you think? Do you think fossil auction and trade reform legislation is necessary in the United States and if so, what suggestions/reforms would you like to see implemented?