Legislation, supported by Associated Industries of Missouri, that seeks to ensure that expert witnesses are indeed experts was debated on the floor of the Missouri Senate this week. Senate Bill 233, sponsored by Sen. Mike Kehoe (R-Jefferson City) seeks to enforce the more rigid federal standards about what constitutes an expert witness, and outlines what and how the witness must testify on their particular area of expertise.
Supporters say that the bill will clear up confusion in the current state law on what constitutes an “expert witness.” Sen. Kehoe also says the bill will keep “junk science” off the witness stand and provide clarity and consistency in the criminal courts as well.
The bill generated several hours of debate this week. Additional debate is expected in the coming weeks.
Comments