Greitens signs into law tougher rules for vetting expert witnesses

Gov. Eric Greitens, R-Missouri, signed HB153, which will change the standard for vetting expert witnesses in jury trials, into law Tuesday morning.

The passage of this law places Missouri’s vetting process for such witnesses under the Daubert Standard, a method adopted by the majority of states, as well as federal courts.

Greitens said the new law will make expert witnesses more reliable, and frivolous lawsuits less frequent.

Opponents criticize the measure, saying it will now be more expensive to go to court by requiring more time from attorneys to get expert witnesses.

The Missouri legislature passed a similar bill last year, but it was vetoed by former Democratic Governor Nixon.