An Act to modify the rules for taking depositions outside the Commonwealth and to adopt the uniform interstate depositions and discovery act
This bill (H 5056) creates a new process for Massachusetts courts to handle requests involving depositions or discovery from courts in other states or countries. It requires parties seeking such discovery to submit a foreign subpoena to a Massachusetts court clerk, along with specific details like case information and contact details for all involved parties. The clerk then issues a Massachusetts subpoena incorporating the foreign request, following standard court procedures. This change applies to all pending cases as of January 1, 2027, and aims to streamline cross-jurisdictional legal proceedings.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 9, 2026
Last action Feb 9, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
3
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Feb 9, 2026
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Feb 9, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on The Judiciary
lower
0 primary · 3 co-sponsors
Sponsors
No sponsor information available.
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about H 5056
Scope: MA
Hi! I can help you understand H 5056. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline