Bill > SB977

This bill, titled the "No Foreign Laws Act," establishes that international organizations like the World Health Organization, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum have no authority or power within the state of Missouri, and their rules, fees, taxes, policies, or mandates cannot be enforced by any state entity or municipality. However, this prohibition does not extend to the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), and Missouri's child support program can still enforce provisions from HCCH instruments. The bill defines "foreign law" as any legal framework from outside the United States, including international organizations, and "fundamental rights" as those guaranteed by the Missouri and U.S. Constitutions, such as due process and freedom of religion. It prohibits the application of foreign law that denies these fundamental rights, rendering related court rulings, arbitration decisions, contracts, or contractual provisions void and unenforceable. Furthermore, Missouri courts cannot enforce judgments or contracts based on foreign law that violates fundamental rights, nor can they apply foreign law in matters of marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption, or inheritance if it conflicts with fundamental rights or public policy. The bill includes exceptions, stating it does not override existing Missouri Supreme Court precedent, limit the adjudication of a religious organization's internal ecclesiastical matters, apply to entities that voluntarily submit to foreign law, or apply where federal law, including treaties, preempts state law. Finally, no state court or tribunal can transfer a civil action if doing so would lead to the application of foreign law that violates fundamental rights.