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 that subpoenas for individuals must allow at least 48 hours for compliance, while those for documents and other items must allow at least 15 days.

Additionally, the bill details the service of subpoenas, including the methods for serving certified educators versus non-certified individuals, and establishes the right for individuals to file a motion to quash or modify the subpoena within 10 days of service. It also mandates that any evidence collected through a subpoena must be shared with both parties in any related adjudicatory proceedings. The costs associated with issuing subpoenas will generally fall on the requesting party unless otherwise determined by the hearing officer. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-N:4
Version adopted by both bodies: 21-N:4
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 21-N:4