Section 506.602

Title XXXV CIVIL PROCEDURE AND LIMITATIONS

Chapter 506

Effective - 28 Aug 2026, see footnote   

  506.602.  Citation of law — definitions — application of foreign prohibited, when. — 1.  This section shall be known and may be cited as the "No Foreign Laws Act".

  2.  As used in this section, the following terms mean:

  (1)  "Foreign law", any law, legal framework, legal code, or system, including religious law when invoked as a substitute for a state or federal law, derived from a jurisdiction outside of any state or territory of the United States, including international organizations and tribunals;

  (2)  "Fundamental rights", rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Missouri and the Constitution of the United States, including, but not limited to, due process, equal protection, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and rights related to marriage, child custody, and property.

  3.  The application of any foreign law that denies the parties fundamental rights shall be prohibited and render the following void and unenforceable:

  (1)  A ruling or decision of any state court, arbitration panel, or administrative agency;

  (2)  A contract or contractual provision, if severable, that provides for the choice of any foreign law; and

  (3)  A contract or contractual provision, if severable, that grants jurisdiction to a foreign tribunal.

  4.  No court shall enforce or apply:

  (1)  A judgment, decree, or arbitration decision if it relies, in whole or in part, on any foreign law that violates the fundamental rights of a party;

  (2)  A contract or contractual provision, if severable, that provides for the choice of any foreign law where the enforcement or application would be in violation of a party's fundamental rights; or

  (3)  Foreign law in matters involving marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption, or inheritance if such enforcement or application would be inconsistent with fundamental rights or public policy.

  5.  The provisions of this section shall not be construed to:

  (1)  Disapprove or abrogate existing precedent of the Missouri supreme court;

  (2)  Limit adjudication of ecclesiastical matters of a religious organization, including the selection, appointment, discipline, or removal of clergy or interpretation of doctrine;

  (3)  Apply to corporations, partnerships, or associations that voluntarily subject themselves to any foreign law or foreign courts; or

  (4)  Apply where federal law preempts state law, including obligations under treaties or international agreements.

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(L. 2026 S.B. 977 & 1011)