Bill > S1884

This bill amends the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2016 to clarify and strengthen protections for individuals seeking to recover artwork or property lost during the Nazi era. The bill explicitly states its intent to remove legal barriers that have previously prevented Holocaust-related art restitution claims from being heard on their merits. Specifically, the bill eliminates time-based defenses like laches (legal delay) and adverse possession, and prohibits non-merits discretionary dismissals such as forum non conveniens or act of state doctrine. The legislation broadens the scope of claims that can be brought, including those involving artwork taken by Nazi-affiliated governments or agents, regardless of the victim's nationality. The bill also provides for nationwide service of process, meaning legal documents can be served in any judicial district where a defendant can be found. Furthermore, the amendments apply to both pending cases and future claims, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Importantly, the bill aims to address previous court decisions that frustrated art restitution efforts by dismissing cases on procedural grounds rather than examining the substantive merits of the claims, thus providing a more direct path to justice for Holocaust victims and their descendants.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1884/all-info