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Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2023

3/7/2024, 5:29 PM

Summary of Bill S 1179

The Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 s 1179, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to hold insurance companies accountable for policies issued to victims of the Holocaust and their heirs.

The bill seeks to ensure that insurance companies provide full and fair disclosure of policies issued to Holocaust victims and their families during World War II. It also aims to establish a process for claimants to seek restitution for unpaid policies.

Additionally, the bill requires insurance companies to conduct thorough investigations into any claims made by Holocaust survivors or their heirs. It also mandates that insurance companies provide a detailed account of any policies issued to Holocaust victims and their families. Overall, the Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2023 is designed to provide justice and restitution to those who were affected by the Holocaust and ensure that insurance companies are held accountable for their actions during this dark period in history.

Congressional Summary of S 1179

Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2023

This bill allows a beneficiary (or an heir of a beneficiary) of certain insurance policies in effect during the Holocaust to sue in U.S. district court to enforce rights under such policies.

An insurance policy covered under this bill must have been (1) in effect at any time between January 31, 1933, and December 31, 1945, and (2) issued to a policyholder domiciled in Nazi-controlled territory or Switzerland.

A court shall award to a prevailing beneficiary (1) the amount due under a policy, (2) prejudgment interest of 6% a year, (3) attorney's fees and costs, and (4) treble damages if the insurer acted in bad faith. 

An action under this bill or state law related to a covered insurance policy shall be considered timely if filed within 10 years of this bill's enactment.

Judgments and agreements entered before this bill's enactment shall not preclude a claim brought under the bill, with certain exceptions. Neither executive agreements between the United States and a foreign government nor U.S. executive foreign policies shall (1) affect or preclude claims brought under this bill, or (2) supersede or preempt any state laws relating to insurance policies covered by this bill.

Current Status of Bill S 1179

Bill S 1179 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 18, 2023. Bill S 1179 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on April 18, 2023.  Bill S 1179's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. as of April 18, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1179

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
6
Democrat Cosponsors
2
Republican Cosponsors
4
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1179

Primary Policy Focus

International Affairs

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1179

Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2023
Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2023
A bill to provide for the restoration of legal rights for claimants under Holocaust-era insurance policies.
A bill to provide for the restoration of legal rights for claimants under Holocaust-era insurance policies.

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