Court rulings based on laws made outside the U.S. would be unenforceable in Missouri if those laws violate the state or U.S. constitutions, under a bill endorsed by the Missouri Senate.
Versions of the bill considered in previous years specifically prohibited Islamic Sharia Law, but the legislation endorsed Wednesday would affect all foreign legal codes.
The measure is sponsored by Republican Sen. Brian Nieves, of Washington. He says it targets the concept of Missouri courts using policies that come from outside the United States that violate constitutional guarantees.
Opponents say the bill’s language may jeopardize trade agreements and contracts with businesses in other countries.
It needs more one more vote before moving to the House.