HB15-1216 Summary

• Prohibits expert witnesses from testifying in Colorado courts unless their opinions are based on reliable scientific, technical, or specialized knowledge that helps the trier of fact understand evidence or determine facts in issue.

• Requires expert testimony to be based on sufficient facts or data and to be the product of reliable principles and methods that the witness has reliably applied to the case facts.

• Establishes that expert witnesses must express opinions based on scientific theories subject to testing rather than unproven, speculative theories.

• Takes effect September 1, 2015, unless a referendum petition is filed within 90 days after final adjournment of the general assembly, in which case it becomes effective only upon voter approval at the November 2016 general election.

• Applies to all court proceedings held on or after the applicable effective date of the act.