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 for the subpoena to a hearing officer. The hearing officer must find that the subpoena is sought in good faith and that the information is likely to be 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 a motion to quash or modify the subpoena within 10 days of service, and mandates that any evidence collected must be shared with both parties in any related adjudicatory proceedings. It also states that hearing officers can 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 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