SB 918 - This act makes changes to the provision regarding admissibility of expert testimony to mirror the Federal Rules of Evidence. Specifically, expert testimony may not be admitted unless the proponent demonstrates to the court that it is more likely than not that the proffered testimony meets the knowledge, testimony, and reliability requirements. Furthermore, this act modifies the reliability requirement by providing that the expert's opinion reflects a reliable application of, rather than the expert has reliably applied, the principles and methods to the facts of the case.

This act is identical to SB 238 (2025), HB 263 (2025), and a provision in SB 313 (2025).

KATIE O'BRIEN

Statutes affected:
Introduced (3835S.01): 490.065

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Senate Committee Minutes:
SENATE COMMITTEE MINUTES Bill No.: SB 918
Sponsor: Burger
Hearing Date: 1/14/2026


COMMITTEE: General Laws

CHAIRMAN: Trent

DATE REFERRED: 1/8/2026 DATE HEARING REQUESTED:



STAFF:
Bryce Beal
Bruce DeGroot
Scott Svagera


WITNESSES GIVING INFORMATION:



WITNESSES FOR:
Mark Dunn
Phil Goldberg - US Chamber
Dana Freeze - MO Defense Lawyers / MO Hospital Association
Susan Klein - MO Pro LIfe
Holly Rehder - MidWest Sterilization Corporation
Rich Aubuchon - MO Civil Justice /American Property Ins Assoc
Ray McCarty - AIM
Jared Hankinson - MO Chamber
Jeff Smith - ACLU
Katie Gamble - MO Railroad Association
Hampton Williams - MIC
Phil Arnzen - NAMIC
Phil Goldberg - US Chamber


WITNESSES AGAINST:
Michael Sudekum - MATA
Arnie Deinhoff - Public Advocate