This bill amends RSA 21-N:4 to authorize hearing officers of the Department of Education to issue subpoenas for investigations related to violations of the educator code of conduct. A new paragraph (XIII) is added, which outlines the process for seeking subpoenas, including the requirement for the department to present reasons to a hearing officer, who will issue the subpoena if it is deemed to be in good faith and relevant to the investigation. The bill specifies compliance timelines for subpoenas, with 48 hours for individuals and 15 days for documents, and details the service procedures for both licensed and non-licensed individuals.

Additionally, the bill allows individuals to file motions to quash or modify subpoenas within 10 days of service, and mandates that any evidence collected must be shared with both parties in adjudicatory proceedings. It also permits hearing officers to issue subpoenas for witness attendance and document production during such proceedings, with costs incurred being the responsibility of the requesting party unless otherwise determined. The effective date for this act is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-N:4