To clarify the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2016, to appropriately limit the application of defenses based on the passage of time and other non-merits defenses to claims under that Act.

Facilitating Art Recovery: The bill intends to permit claims to recover Nazi-looted art to be brought regardless of how much time has passed since World War II (Section 1(a)(1)(A)(8)).

Removing Legal Barriers: By precluding specific defenses, the bill aims to ensure recovery lawsuits are resolved on the merits rather than being dismissed by non-merits defenses like laches, adverse possession, or the act of state doctrine (Section 1(a)(1)(A)(8) and Section 1(a)(1)(F)).

Broadening Victim Eligibility: The Act is intended to allow claims for artwork or property lost during the covered period regardless of the nationality or citizenship of the alleged victim (Section 1(a)(1)(A)(9)).

Strengthening Legal Standing: The bill states that civil claims covered by the Act shall be deemed actions in which rights in violation of international law are in issue, regardless of the victim's nationality or citizenship (Section 1(a)(1)(A)(3)(B)).

Simplifying Legal Actions: The bill establishes that for civil actions brought under the Act, process may be served in the judicial district where the case is brought or any other U.S. judicial district where the defendant may be found, resides, has an agent, or transacts business (Section 1(a)(1)(3)(g)).