A bill for an act relating to defense subpoenas in criminal cases, and providing penalties.

This bill changes how criminal defendants obtain evidence through subpoenas. It requires defendants or their lawyers to apply to a judge for a subpoena instead of issuing one directly, proving the evidence is necessary, exculpatory (could help prove innocence), and not private information of crime victims or others. If evidence is obtained improperly, it cannot be used in court, and defendants must share it with prosecutors within five business days. The law also ensures crime victims served with subpoenas get appointed legal help if they cannot afford it, and prevents postconviction claims based on improperly obtained subpoena evidence.