This bill proposes several updates to current statutes regarding expert witness testimony in parenting time proceedings where domestic violence or abuse is alleged. Specifically, it introduces new requirements for expert witnesses, stipulating that they must have demonstrated expertise and clinical experience in working with victims of domestic violence or abuse. The bill prohibits the expertise from being solely forensic in nature and disallows any experience derived solely from serving as a court appointee in related proceedings. Additionally, it limits the psychological testing and concepts that can be used by expert witnesses to those that are empirically established and generally accepted as valid.

Furthermore, the bill explicitly prohibits the court from allowing evidence related to polygraph examinations, voice-stress analysis, or other psychological measures. It also exempts law enforcement officers with relevant experience and training from the new requirements for expert witness testimony. Definitions for "abuse," "domestic violence," and "forensic" are also provided to clarify the terms used in the context of the bill. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the quality and reliability of expert testimony in sensitive parenting time cases involving allegations of domestic violence or abuse.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 25-407.01
House Engrossed Version: 25-407.01
Senate Engrossed Version: 25-407.01