MT HB548

Requires courts to make specific determinations before allowing expert witness testimony under Rule 702 of the Montana Rules of Evidence

Courts must evaluate whether the expert's scientific, technical, or specialized knowledge will help the trier of fact understand evidence or determine a fact in issue

Testimony must be based on sufficient facts or data and be the product of reliable principles and methods

Expert opinions must reflect a reliable application of principles and methods to the specific facts of the case

Codifies these requirements in Title 26, chapter 1, part 1 of Montana law (general provisions on evidence)