RECLAIM Act

This bill, known as the RECLAIM Act, significantly amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to enhance accountability for recipients of federal financial assistance. It broadens the impact of findings of noncompliance, stipulating that such findings will now apply to the entire program or activity rather than being limited to a specific part. A key provision introduces the requirement for recipients found in noncompliance to repay federal financial assistance received for the program or activity during the fiscal year of noncompliance, irrespective of whether the funds have been expended, with such repayment collected as a claim of the United States Government. The legislation further strengthens enforcement by addressing situations involving court injunctions. If a court issues an injunction against a recipient for an alleged violation of Title VI, the relevant federal department or agency must immediately cease providing federal financial assistance . This suspension of funding will remain in effect until the court certifies the recipient's compliance with the injunction or one year after the injunction's issuance, whichever occurs first. Other federal departments and agencies are also notified and prohibited from providing assistance during this period.