MS HB178

Creates the Uniform Foreign-Country Money Judgments Recognition Act, establishing standards for Mississippi courts to recognize and enforce monetary judgments from foreign countries.

Applies to final foreign-country judgments involving recovery of money, but excludes tax judgments, fines, penalties, and domestic relations cases.

Courts must recognize foreign judgments unless the foreign judicial system lacks impartial tribunals, the defendant lacked proper notice, the judgment was obtained by fraud, or recognition violates Mississippi or U.S. public policy.

Recognized foreign judgments become conclusive and enforceable to the same extent as sister-state judgments; parties must file recognition actions within 15 years or the judgment's effective period in the foreign country, whichever is shorter.

Effective July 1, 2012, for all actions commenced on or after that date involving foreign judgment recognition.