(1) As used in this section, “object of antiquity” includes without limitation property lost or abandoned for twenty-five (25) years or more.
(2) An object of antiquity found in the submerged lands of the state and not claimed by the federal government or protected under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, 25 U.S.C. § 3001 et seq., shall be the property of the state and be held in trust by the Commissioner of State Lands.
(3) A person removing an object of antiquity without permission of the Commissioner of State Lands is guilty of theft of property under § 5-36-103.
(4) The Commissioner of State Lands may: Work with state or federal agencies to study, protect, and remove an object of antiquity; and
(5) Transfer or entrust a state or federal agency or federally recognized Indian tribe to take possession of property removed from submerged lands owned by the state.