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Bill would give all parties equal subpoena power in administrative hearings, sponsors say
Summary
Backers told the Senate Judiciary Committee HB1665 would ensure both sides in administrative hearings can issue subpoenas and compel evidence like the courts currently permit; municipal representatives asked for narrowed language to limit the change to hearings under the Administrative Procedures Act (chapter 541A).
Representative Daniel Papovich Miller introduced HB1665 as a short, bipartisan measure to allow "all parties to an administrative hearing" the ability to subpoena witnesses and documents under standards similar to RSA 5162–5165. He described the bill as a fairness measure intended to give non-governmental parties the same procedural tools agencies already enjoy.
Representative Bob Lynn and other supporters argued subpoenas are not a search warrant and recipients can move to quash overbroad requests; they said hearings officers would typically rule on objections and parties would have appeal rights and access to superior court contempt powers if compliance failed. Critics and municipal representatives said the bill's broad wording could unintentionally sweep municipal or quasi‑judicial local hearings into the statute and recommended limiting the change explicitly to chapter 541A (state agency administrative hearings).
A variety of citizens and witnesses supported the bill on fairness grounds; the New Hampshire Municipal Association asked the committee to tighten language to avoid municipal confusion. The hearing closed with questions and suggestions to refine statutory references; the transcript does not show a committee vote.
