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HB 966

Sharia law; prohibit and revise enhanced penalties to include acts of terroristic threats.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Fred Shanks

Mississippi bill prohibits Sharia law application and enhances criminal penalties for acts involving terroristic threats.

Referred To Judiciary A
#judiciarya
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 966

Legislative bill overview

HB 966 proposes to prohibit the application or enforcement of Sharia law in Mississippi and modifies existing enhanced penalty provisions to include acts constituting terroristic threats. The bill appears designed to prevent foreign legal systems from superseding state law while expanding definitions related to criminal penalties.

Why is this important

This bill addresses concerns about legal pluralism and jurisdiction by clarifying that only Mississippi law governs within the state. The addition of terroristic threats to enhanced penalties could affect prosecution strategies in cases involving threats of violence, potentially increasing sentences for certain offenses.

Potential points of contention

  • Religious freedom concerns: Critics may argue the bill creates a solution to a non-existent problem or raises constitutional issues under the First Amendment regarding religious practice, though the bill targets legal application rather than belief
  • Definitional ambiguity: "Sharia law" is not monolithic—it varies significantly across interpretations and communities—making enforcement potentially unclear or subject to misapplication
  • Scope of terroristic threats enhancement: Expanding what qualifies for enhanced penalties could affect free speech protections or create disparities if "terroristic threats" is defined too broadly without sufficient mens rea requirements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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