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Bill

SR 21

TO AUTHORIZE THE INTRODUCTION OF A NONAPPROPRIATION BILL TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS PROPERTY RIGHTS PROTECTION FROM SHARIA LAW ACT AND TO REGULATE CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY INTERESTS CONTROLLED BY CERTAIN ENTITIES.

2026 Fiscal Session Introduced by Jim Dotson and 1 co-sponsor

Arkansas bill authorizes legislation restricting residential property control by certain entities under guise of preventing Sharia law application, raising religious liberty and definitional concerns.

Sine Die adjournment
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 21

Legislative bill overview

SR 21 is a procedural resolution that authorizes the introduction of legislation creating the "Arkansas Property Rights Protection from Sharia Law Act," which would regulate residential property interests controlled by certain entities. The bill specifically targets property ownership and control mechanisms, with apparent focus on preventing what sponsors view as Sharia law-based property arrangements in residential contexts.

Why is this important

This bill addresses concerns about alternative legal frameworks influencing property ownership in Arkansas, touching on fundamental property rights and real estate transactions. The legislation could significantly impact how certain religious or cultural organizations structure residential property holdings and affect individuals' ability to participate in alternative property arrangements based on their beliefs.

Potential points of contention

  • Religious liberty concerns: The bill's explicit reference to "Sharia Law" raises First Amendment questions about whether it impermissibly targets Islamic religious practices versus addressing secular property regulation issues
  • Scope ambiguity: The phrase "certain entities" and "certain residential property interests" lacks clear definition, creating uncertainty about which organizations and arrangements would actually be restricted
  • Practical enforceability: It remains unclear how the state would determine compliance, investigate violations, or distinguish between legitimate property arrangements and those allegedly tied to religious law systems

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

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