HB1489

I support our state standardizing deposition processes for more equitable and efficient legal outcomes.

TO: House Judiciary Committee FROM: Rep. Terry W. Roy, Chair of Criminal Justice and Public Safety RE: Support for HB 1489 – Adopting the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (UIDDA) DATE: February 25, 2026 Chairman Lynn and Members of the Judiciary Committee, I am writing to express my support for HB 1489. As the Chair of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, I am a firm believer in making our legal systems more efficient and less burdensome for those who interact with them. New Hampshire currently relies on outdated and cumbersome "commission" and "letters rogatory" processes for out-of-state discovery. This bill simplifies that process by adopting the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (UIDDA). Why I Support This Bill: Reducing Judicial Red Tape: By allowing court clerks to handle subpoenas from other states in a ministerial capacity, we remove the need for judges to spend valuable time on routine administrative tasks. This lets our judiciary focus on clearing the backlog of substantive cases. National Reciprocity: Nearly every other state in the country has already adopted the UIDDA. By joining them, we ensure that New Hampshire attorneys and citizens can easily obtain necessary evidence from across state lines without jumping through expensive legal hoops or hiring out-of-state local counsel just to file a subpoena. Consistency: This bill mirrors the process used in federal courts (FRCP Rule 45), creating a predictable environment for legal professionals and ensuring that "the truth" isn't blocked by geographical boundaries. While this is primarily a civil court reform, any move that streamlines the discovery of evidence and reduces the cost of litigation is a win for Granite Staters. It is a "good government" bill that updates our statutes for the 21st century. I respectfully ask for an Ought to Pass recommendation on HB 1489. Respectfully, Rep. Terry W. Roy State Representative, Rockingham 31 Chair, House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee