This morning Gov. Eric Greitens signed House Bill 153, which I handled in the Missouri Senate. This legislation will enhance the quality of our courts by ensuring the most reliable and accurate information is presented in various trials. The question HB 153 is answering is this: How do we know if an expert witness is truly an expert and if the information he/she testifies to is reliable and accurate? This bill would align Missouri with 42 other states in adopting what is known as the “Daubert” standard. This will empower Missouri judges to act as gatekeepers by closely examining expert testimony that plaintiffs and defendants seek to present in court. Addressing admissibility of evidence prior to trial, while requiring an initial investment of time, helps avoid fights at trial over expert evidence, wasting jury time with cases lacking scientific merit, and needless litigation. With the signing of this legislation, juries can be confident knowing that the information presented during trials is accurate and reliable.
Missouri Senate — 2017
Missouri General Assembly