JEFFERSON CITY—Recently, the Missouri General Assembly approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Mike Parson, R-Bolivar, that would align the state’s expert witness guidelines with the federal standard, which will improve the business climate in Missouri and safeguard the reliability of expert testimony.
“This is an important step toward improving Missouri courts,” said Sen. Parson. “Senate Bill 591 would guarantee that juries only hear the most factual, relevant and expert information during proceedings.”
Senate Bill 591 modifies certain provisions relating to expert witness testimony. The legislation would institute a principle known as the Daubert Standard, which ensures that only people who are truly expert witnesses are able to provide expert testimony. Missouri is only one of 10 states that has not adopted this kind of standard.
Senate Bill 591 is part of the Legislature’s efforts this year to implement broad tort reform. Many contend Missouri’s civil judicial system is outdated and unfair, forcing many businesses and job creators out of the state. Tort reform is meant to combat this trend.
“The number of lawsuits in this state is alarming. It’s exactly these lack of standards that is causing massive jury awards that are driving employers out of Missouri. This year, $127 million has been awarded in cases against Johnson & Johnson. The plaintiffs litigated these cases in this state specifically because of our outdated civil litigation system, knowing it would result in an easier case and a higher jury award,” said Sen. Parson. “It’s time we align our standards to fit the federal model, and inject fairness back into civil court proceedings. This move will ensure that everyone gets an honest day in court.”
For more information on Sen. Parson’s sponsored legislation, visit his Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/parson.