ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

Majority Research Staff

Senate: FED DP 4-3-0-0 | Third Read 17-12-1-0

House: FMAE DP 4-3-0-0

SB 1018: foreign law; sharia law; prohibition

Sponsor: Senator Shamp, LD 29

Caucus & COW

Overview

Expands the meaning of foreign law by including sharia law and states that foreign law includes outlined foreign, religious or cultural laws, customs or practices.

History

Currently, statute defines foreign law as any law, rule or legal code or system other than the Constitution, laws and ratified treaties of the U.S. and the territories of the U.S., or the Constitution and laws of Arizona. A court, arbitrator, administrative agency or other adjudicative, mediation or enforcement authority is prohibited from enforcing a foreign law if doing so would violate a right guaranteed by the Arizona Constitution or the U.S. Constitution or conflict with U.S. or Arizona law (A.R.S. §§ 12-3101, 12-3103).

Provisions

1. Expands the meaning of foreign law by adding sharia law. (Sec. 1)

2. States that foreign law includes a foreign, religious or cultural law, custom or practice that allows, condones or excuses:

a. the honor killing of a person or honor-based violence;

b. a forced or coerced marriage;

c. a marriage involving a minor that violates a law in this state;

d. female genital mutilation or cutting;

e. the physical punishment of a minor that constitutes abuse pursuant to the laws of Arizona;

f. domestic violence or spousal abuse that is justified by cultural, religious or family authority;

g. restricting a person's liberty or rights if based on gender, religion or family honor;

h. denying a person equal protection or due process;

i. polygamy where prohibited by the laws of Arizona; or

j. any conduct that violates Arizona criminal law. (Sec. 1)

3. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1)

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7. Initials GG/AW SB 1018

8. 3/19/2026 Page 0 Caucus & COW

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