Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025 (S-1884)

This bill strengthens the rules that help families recover art and other property taken because of Nazi persecution. It tells courts to decide these cases based on the facts, not to throw them out just because a lot of time has passed. It blocks time-based defenses like laches and adverse possession, and also blocks non-merits defenses like the act of state doctrine, international comity, and forum non‑conveniens, so claims can be heard and decided fairly on what actually happened . It also makes clear that people can bring these claims no matter their nationality, and treats these cases as involving violations of international law for purposes of suing foreign states over Nazi‑looted art .

The bill adds practical steps to help cases move forward, like allowing nationwide service of legal papers. It applies to cases already in court and to new cases filed after the law takes effect, and includes a backup rule so if one part is struck down, the rest still stands .

Who is affected: People seeking the return of art or property lost due to Nazi persecution, including losses caused by Nazi-controlled governments or their agents, and the museums, collectors, and institutions that currently hold that property .
What changes: Courts cannot dismiss these cases just because of delay or other non‑merits reasons; claims can proceed against foreign states under clarified rules; and nationwide service of process is allowed .
When it applies: To cases already pending on the date the law is enacted and to cases filed afterward .

Who is affected: People seeking the return of art or property lost due to Nazi persecution, including losses caused by Nazi-controlled governments or their agents, and the museums, collectors, and institutions that currently hold that property .
What changes: Courts cannot dismiss these cases just because of delay or other non‑merits reasons; claims can proceed against foreign states under clarified rules; and nationwide service of process is allowed .
When it applies: To cases already pending on the date the law is enacted and to cases filed afterward .

Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025

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