All Roll Calls
Yes: 203 • No: 0
KansasSB 3982025–2026 Regular SessionSenate
Requiring a proponent to demonstrate that it is more likely than not that certain specialized knowledge will help the trier of fact to understand evidence before certain qualified witnesses may testify.
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
judiciary
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Tighter rules for court opinion testimony
In Kansas civil and criminal cases, lay witnesses may give opinions only if based on what they perceived, helpful, and not specialized. For experts, the party calling them must show it is more likely than not that their specialized knowledge will help the judge or jury. The expert’s opinion must use enough facts or data, rely on reliable methods, and apply those methods reliably to the case. The judge is treated as having made this finding unless the judge excludes the testimony. Opinions can address the ultimate issue in the case. This law replaces the prior evidence rule.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/23/2026
Yea: 124 Nay: 0
Yes: 124 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/23/2026
Yea: 40 Nay: 0
Yes: 40 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/23/2026
Yea: 39 Nay: 0
Yes: 39 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Enrolled and presented to Governor on Monday, March 30, 2026
4/9/2026SenateApproved by Governor on Tuesday, April 7, 2026
4/9/2026SenateConcurred with amendments in conference; Yea: 39 Nay: 0
3/26/2026SenateNonconcurred with amendments; Conference Committee requested; appointed Senator Warren , Senator Titus and Senator Corson as conferees
3/23/2026SenateMotion to accede adopted; Representative Humphries, Representative Williams, L. and Representative Osman appointed as conferees
3/23/2026HouseCommittee of the Whole - Committee Report be adopted
3/18/2026HouseCommittee of the Whole - Be passed as amended
3/18/2026HouseEmergency Final Action - Passed as amended; Yea: 124 Nay: 0
3/18/2026HouseCommittee Report recommending bill be passed as amended by Committee on Judiciary
3/12/2026HouseHearing: Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 3:30 PM Room 582-N
3/3/2026HouseReceived and Introduced
2/19/2026HouseReferred to Committee on Judiciary
2/19/2026HouseCommittee of the Whole - Be passed
2/18/2026SenateEmergency Final Action - Passed; Yea: 40 Nay: 0
2/18/2026SenateCommittee Report recommending bill be passed by Committee on Judiciary
2/10/2026SenateHearing: Thursday, February 5, 2026, 10:30 AM Room 346-S
2/5/2026SenateReferred to Committee on Judiciary
1/28/2026SenateIntroduced
1/27/2026Senate
Bill Text
As Amended by House Committee
As introduced
Enrolled
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