S.F. 2066 Section 1. Section 622.72, Code 2011, is amended to read as 1 follows: 2 622.72 Expert witnesses —— fee. 3 Witnesses called to testify only to an opinion founded on 4 special study or experience in any branch of science, or to 5 make scientific or professional examinations and state the 6 result thereof, shall receive additional compensation, to be 7 fixed by the court, with reference to the value of the time 8 employed , and the degree of learning or skill required ; but 9 such additional compensation shall not exceed one hundred 10 fifty dollars per day while so employed , and the reasonable 11 and customary fees charged by similarly situated experts for 12 similar services . 13 EXPLANATION 14 Current law provides that a court shall determine the amount 15 of fees to be awarded to an expert witness in a civil case 16 and in a criminal case except for an indigent criminal case 17 (Code section 815.5), upon consideration of the value of the 18 expert witness’s time and degree of learning or skill required, 19 but such fees shall not exceed $150 per expert per day. This 20 bill eliminates this limitation on the fee award and directs 21 the court to also consider the reasonable and customary fees 22 charged by similarly situated experts for similar services. 23 -1- LSB 5019XS (3) 84 rh/nh 1/ 1