This bill introduces significant changes to judicial privilege and small claims litigation procedures in New Hampshire. It establishes a new section, RSA 516:33-b, which stipulates that judges cannot invoke judicial privilege to avoid testifying in criminal proceedings if they possess firsthand knowledge of relevant material facts. The definition of "judge" is expanded to include various judicial roles, ensuring that all relevant judicial figures are subject to this requirement.

Additionally, the bill amends RSA 503:6, I to mandate that courts must send notice of small claims to defendants within 10 days of the claim's filing. This notice must be delivered via first-class mail to the defendant's last known address, and it requires the defendant to respond in writing within 30 days to indicate their desire to be heard. These changes aim to enhance accountability within the judicial system and streamline the small claims process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 503:6
HB1116 text: 503:6