The bill amends K.S.A. 60-456 concerning the rules of evidence related to testimony in the form of opinion or inferences. It establishes that a proponent must demonstrate that it is more likely than not that certain specialized knowledge will assist the trier of fact in understanding the evidence before qualified witnesses can testify. The bill modifies the criteria for admitting expert testimony, emphasizing that the expert's knowledge must help clarify the evidence or determine a fact in issue, and it requires the testimony to be based on sufficient facts or data and reliable principles and methods.

Additionally, the bill repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 60-456, which previously allowed for testimony based on scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge without the same level of scrutiny. The new language clarifies the requirements for expert testimony, ensuring that only reliable and relevant expert opinions are presented in court. The act will take effect upon its publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 60-456