This bill proposes significant changes to the appointment and operation of deposition commissioners under the Uniform Foreign Depositions Law. It repeals and reenacts RSA 517-A, which will now be known as the "Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act." Key definitions are established, including terms such as "foreign jurisdiction," "foreign subpoena," and "subpoena." The bill outlines the process for issuing subpoenas based on foreign subpoenas, detailing the responsibilities of the clerk of court and the requirements for service and compliance with these subpoenas. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for uniformity in application and construction of the law across states.

The bill also introduces new provisions regarding the appointment of commissioners to take foreign depositions, allowing the superior court to appoint suitable individuals for this purpose. Notably, it eliminates the need for appointment when discovery is sought in jurisdictions that have adopted similar laws. The bill repeals several existing statutes (RSA 517:15, 517:16, 517:17, and 517:18) related to the appointment and powers of deposition commissioners, streamlining the process. The act will apply to requests for discovery in cases pending on or after its effective date of January 1, 2027.