H 5056 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

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
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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

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