ID - H0419

Introduced
01/26/2018

In Committee
02/21/2018

Crossed Over
02/20/2018

Passed

Dead
03/28/2018

This bill adds a new chapter to Idaho's existing laws to prohibit the application of foreign laws in Idaho courts in certain instances. The key provisions include: 1. Establishing the public policy of Idaho to protect its citizens from the application of foreign laws that would violate their fundamental rights under the U.S. or Idaho constitutions, such as due process, freedom of religion, speech, or privacy. 2. Defining "foreign law" as any law from a jurisdiction outside the U.S. and not including laws of Indian tribes in Idaho. 3. Declaring that any court ruling or decision based on foreign law that would not grant parties similar fundamental rights as the U.S. and Idaho constitutions is void and unenforceable. 4. Voiding and making unenforceable any contract provisions that choose foreign law or foreign jurisdiction if the foreign law would not grant similar constitutional rights. 5. Allowing courts to deny a claim of forum non conveniens if it would likely violate a party's fundamental constitutional rights in the foreign forum. 6. Providing exceptions for certain business entities and contracts entered into before the law's effective date, and clarifying that the law does not limit the free exercise of religion or religious organization decisions.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Other Sponsors (1)

State Affairs Committee (H)

Official Document