Summary

Amends the existing Holocaust expropriated art recovery statute to make it easier for victims and heirs to sue for Nazi‑looted art. It bars time‑based and several non‑merits defenses, clarifies that certain claims fall within an exception to foreign sovereign immunity, permits nationwide service of process, and makes the changes apply to claims pending or filed when the law takes effect. The law is aimed at strengthening remedies for recovery of stolen art, encouraging litigation or settlement rather than dismissal on procedural grounds, and ensuring courts can hear these cases even if significant time has passed since the original taking.

• Clarifies that claims to recover Nazi‑looted art may be pursued despite the passage of time and irrespective of the victim’s nationality.
• Bars defenses such as laches, adverse possession, acquisitive prescription, act of state, international comity, forum non conveniens, and prudential exhaustion for otherwise timely claims.
• Designates covered claims as actions "in which rights in violation of international law are in issue" for purposes of the foreign sovereign immunity statute.
• Authorizes nationwide service of process for defendants covered by the statute.
• Applies the amendments to cases pending or filed on or after enactment, potentially affecting ongoing litigation.
• Adds a severability clause to preserve other provisions if parts are invalidated.
• Focuses on strengthening remedies and ensuring merits review rather than creating new spending or programs.
• May increase litigation, settlements, and provenance research by museums, auction houses, and other holders of disputed works.