Bill > HB1116

This bill makes two key changes to New Hampshire law: first, it limits judicial privilege by requiring judges to testify in criminal proceedings if they have firsthand knowledge of material facts. The bill defines "judge" broadly to include full-time and part-time judges from supreme, superior, and circuit courts, retired judges recalled to service, marital masters, and certain judicial officers. If a court determines that a judge has direct, relevant knowledge of a material fact in a criminal case, the judge cannot refuse to testify by claiming judicial privilege. Second, the bill modifies the small claims litigation process by mandating that courts send notice to defendants within 10 days of a claim being filed, requiring the notice to be sent via first-class mail to the defendant's last known address and giving the defendant 30 days to respond or indicate a desire to be heard. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, aiming to increase transparency in judicial proceedings and ensure timely communication in small claims cases.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1628&inflect=2