This bill enacts the "Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act," which updates the process for handling interstate depositions and discovery in New Hampshire. It repeals the existing RSA 517, which included provisions on the appointment and powers of deposition commissioners, and replaces it with a new framework that defines key terms such as "foreign jurisdiction," "foreign subpoena," and "subpoena." The new law allows parties to submit foreign subpoenas to the clerk of the superior court, who will then issue a subpoena for service. It also outlines the procedures for compliance, enforcement, and the appointment of commissioners to take depositions outside the state.

Significantly, the bill removes the previous requirements for appointing deposition commissioners when discovery is sought in jurisdictions that have adopted similar laws, allowing for a more streamlined process. The repealed sections include RSA 517:15, RSA 517:16, RSA 517:17, and RSA 517:18, which previously governed the appointment and powers of deposition commissioners. The new act will apply to requests for discovery in cases pending on or after its effective date of January 1, 2027.