SLS 24RS-157 ORIGINAL
2024 Regular Session
SENATE BILL NO. 16
BY SENATOR PRESSLY (On Recommendation of the Louisiana State Law Institute)
EVIDENCE. Provides for expert testimony. (8/1/24)
1 AN ACT
2 To amend and reenact the introductory paragraph of Code of Evidence Art. 702(A) and (4),
3 relative to expert testimony; to provide for a burden of proof; to provide with respect
4 to expert opinions; and to provide for related matters.
5 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
6 Section 1. The introductory paragraph of Code of Evidence Art. 702(A) and (4) are
7 hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:
8 Art. 702. Testimony by experts
9 A. A witness who is qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience,
10 training, or education may testify in the form of an opinion or otherwise if the
11 proponent demonstrates to the court that it is more likely than not that:
12 * * *
13 (4) The expert has reliably applied expert's opinion reflects a reliable
14 application of the principles and methods to the facts of the case.
15 * * *
16 Comments – 2024
17 This amendment does not change the law and is intended to align the
Page 1 of 2
Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions. SB NO. 16
SLS 24RS-157 ORIGINAL
1 language of this Article with the 2023 amendments to Rule 702 of the Federal Rules
2 of Evidence.
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Hanna Gettys.
DIGEST
SB 16 Original 2024 Regular Session Pressly
Present law (C.E. Art. 702) provides for testimony by experts.
Proposed law retains present law but clarifies the burden of proof and makes semantic
changes consistent with Rule 702 of the Federal Rules of Evidence.
Effective August 1, 2024.
(Amends C.E. Art. 702(A)(intro para) and (4))
Page 2 of 2
Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.