Current Legislative Developments

Caution: A bill’s status as ‘Active’ may fall out of date due to variations in state session dates, special sessions, and other factors.  However, we monitor state sessions and manually update bill statuses as frequently as resources permit. To find information about state session dates, visit the MultiState website.

View pre-2025 civil right to counsel legislation

Enacted Bills

• State
  Subject Area
  Bill Number
  Summary
  Last Action
• Idaho
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Birth Parents
  
  S1181
  Would eliminate RTC for parents in termination of parental rights cases except where constitutionally required.
  Session Law Chapter 329 Effective: 07/01/2025
• Kansas
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Child (incomplete)
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Parent or Guardian
  
  HB2359
  Enacts the Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements (UGCOPA) Act.
  House Approved by Governor on Thursday, April 3, 2025
• North Dakota
  Other subject area
  
  HB1034
  Indigent parent petitioners are entitled to counsel as are children regardless of the child's income.
  Signed by Governor 03/17
• Utah
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person
  
  SB0199
  The court must appoint counsel for some unrepresented adults in guardianship cases filed due to alleged "severe intellectual disability"
  Governor Signed in Lieutenant Governor's office for filing
• Utah
  Custody Disputes - Children
  
  SB0117
  The arbitrator in a 'family law dispute' may appoint an attorney, GAL, or 'other representative' for a child.
  Governor Signed in Lieutenant Governor's office for filing
• Utah
  Other subject area
  
  SB0134
  Provides right to counsel for persons about whom the court is making a capacity determination in the context of health care decisions
  Governor Signed in Lieutenant Governor's office for filing

Active Bills

• State
  Subject Area
  Bill Number
  Summary
  Last Action
• Alaska
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  Civil Commitment
  
  HB36
  Amends Alaska Child in Need of Aid Rule 12.1(b) to provide attorney for children placed in acute psychiatric hospitals
  REFERRED TO HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
• Arizona
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Birth Parents
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children
  
  SB1664
  Creating right to counsel for indigent parents of Indian children and permissive appointment for Indian children if in their best interest
  Senate read second time
• Arizona
  Civil Commitment
  Involuntary Medical Treatment (incomplete)
  
  SB1257
  Creates new procedure for the involuntary stabilization of an individual and a right to counsel upon issuance of order.
  House HHS Committee action: Do Pass, voting: (8-3-0-1-0-0)
• Arkansas
  Bypass of Parental Input into Abortion - Minor (Pre-Dobbs)
  
  HB1011
  Repeals requirement that minors obtain parental consent for abortion, therefore negating bypass of consent procedures and associated RTC.
  REPORTED CORRECTLY ENGROSSED
• California
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  
  AB373
  Nonminor dependent's counsel must represent client's wishes even if there's an apparent conflict between wishes and protection or safety
  In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
• California
  Immigration
  
  AB1261
  Would create a right to counsel for unaccompanied undocumented minors in the physical custody of the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement and present in California or residing with a family member or other of sponsor in California.
  In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
• Colorado
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Birth Parents
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children
  
  HB1204
  The "Colorado Indian Child Welfare Act"
  Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Health & Human Services
• Delaware
  Other subject area
  
  SB79
  Would provide right to counsel for certain relatives petitioning for termination of parental rights for the purposes of adoption.
  Assigned to Finance Committee in Senate
• Federal
  Immigration
  
  HB696
  Appears to be an attempt to reduce access to counsel for unaccompanied children in immigration matters
  Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.
• Federal
  Immigration
  
  SB225
  Appears to be an attempt to reduce access to counsel for unaccompanied children in immigration matters
  Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
• Federal
  Forfeiture (incomplete)
  
  SB263
  Amending federal law that permits appointment of counsel for certain individuals in forfeiture matters to slightly broaden access to counsel.
  Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
• Federal
  Immigration
  
  HB1589
  Would provide right to counsel for minors appealing denial of adjustment of immigration status who meet certain conditions.
  Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H884)
• Federal
  Housing - Evictions
  
  HB2038
  Creating federal fund to remove barriers to building affordable housing, with one allowable use being providing access to counsel to tenants facing eviction.
  Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
• Federal
  Housing - Evictions
  
  SB934
  Same as HB 2038: Creating federal fund to remove barriers to building affordable housing, with one allowable use being providing access to counsel to tenants facing eviction.
  Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
• Hawaii
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  Truancy - Petition Against Child
  
  HB129
  Prohibiting court from assessing fees for child's atty or GAL against their parent in truancy, delinquency, and abuse cases.
  Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN as amended in HD 2 with Representative(s) Kila, Lamosao, Reyes Oda, Shimizu voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Matsumoto, Muraoka, Pierick voting no (5) and Representative(s) Cochran, Kitagawa, Ward excused (3).
• Hawaii
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  
  HB900
  Establishes a working group to improve family court processes including access to legal representation for youth in child protection proceedings.
  Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Monday, 02-24-25 12:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
• Hawaii
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  Truancy - Petition Against Child
  
  SB1028
  Prohibiting the court from assessing fees for a child's appointed attorney or GAL against their parent in truancy, delinquency, and abuse cases.
  Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 779).
• Hawaii
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  
  SB1228
  Establishes a working group to improve family court processes including access to legal representation for youth in child protection proceedings.
  Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM.
• Hawaii
  Housing - Evictions
  
  HB1324
  The bill aims to increase funding for legal services for tenants.
  Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on CPC with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia, Muraoka, Pierick voting no (3) and Representative(s) Ward excused (1).
• Idaho
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Child (incomplete)
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Parent or Guardian
  
  S1182
  Strengthens the right to counsel for adults and minors in guardianship proceedings.
  Reported Printed; referred to Judiciary & Rules
• Illinois
  Bypass of Parental Input into Abortion - Minor (Pre-Dobbs)
  
  HB1139
  Reinstates parental notification of abortion requirement for minors; they have right to counsel upon request in seeking waiver of requirement.
  Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Tony M. McCombie
• Illinois
  Bypass of Parental Input into Abortion - Minor (Pre-Dobbs)
  
  HB1336
  Reinstates parental notification of abortion requirement for minors; they have right to counsel upon request in seeking waiver of requirement.
  Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Patrick Windhorst
• Illinois
  Forfeiture (incomplete)
  
  HB1717
  Provides a right to counsel for forfeiture defendants who were represented by appointed counsel in the related criminal matter
  Referred to Rules Committee
• Illinois
  Bypass of Parental Input into Abortion - Minor (Pre-Dobbs)
  
  HB2624
  Reinstates parental notification of abortion requirement for minors; they have right to counsel upon request in seeking waiver of requirement.
  Referred to Rules Committee
• Illinois
  Bypass of Parental Input into Abortion - Minor (Pre-Dobbs)
  
  HB3243
  Reinstates parental notification of abortion requirement for minors; they have right to counsel upon request in seeking waiver of requirement.
  Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
• Indiana
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children
  
  HB1485
  Requires counsel for 'eligible children' in abuse cases where the child is placed or sought to be placed in certain facilities.
  Representative Harris added as coauthor
• Iowa
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  
  HF373
  Requires the appointment of counsel for youth age 10 and older. A child younger than 10 would be appointed counsel and a GAL.
  Withdrawn. H.J. 871.
• Iowa
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  
  HF953
  Requires the appointment of counsel for youth age 10 and older. A child younger than 10 would be appointed counsel and a GAL.
  Tabled until future meeting.
• Kansas
  Custody Disputes - Children
  
  HB2181
  Enacts Uniform Family Law Arbitration Act permits arbitrator to appoint an atty, GAL, or "other representative" for a child in custody matters
  House Withdrawn from Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice; Referred to Committee on Judiciary
• Maine
  Other subject area
  
  LD1378
  Would create extreme risk protection order procedure relating to possession of firearms, and authorize court to appoint counsel for the defendant in such cases.
  On motion by Senator CARNEY of Cumberland REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY in concurrence
• Maryland
  Housing - Evictions
  
  HB103
  Proposes elimination of the Access to Counsel in Evictions Task Force but would lift the sunset on the program's primary yearly funding source. Same as SB 154.
  Hearing 2/11 at 1:00 p.m. (Appropriations)
• Maryland
  Housing - Evictions
  
  SB154
  Proposes elimination of the Access to Counsel in Evictions Task Force but would lift the sunset on the program's primary yearly funding source. Same as HB 103.
  Returned Passed
• Maryland
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
  
  HB223
  Local soc. servs. dep't or law enforcement must give respondent notice of their rights at initial contact in child abuse/neglect investigation
  Hearing 2/13 at 1:00 p.m.
• Maryland
  Housing - Evictions
  
  HB876
  Access to Counsel in Evictions – Special Fund – Alteration
  Hearing 2/11 at 1:00 p.m. (Appropriations)
• Massachusetts
  Housing - Evictions
  
  H1
  Would provide $2.5 million in funding to continue statewide tenant rep pilot program.
  Accompanied H4000
• Massachusetts
  Housing - Evictions
  
  H1480
  Establishes the "Housing First and Housing for All Fund" to be used for a variety of purposes including the right to counsel. [Same as HB 3060]
  Senate concurred
• Massachusetts
  Sexually Dangerous Persons - Registration/Notification
  
  H1783
  Revokes the right to counsel for persons alleged to be sexually dangerous in classification/registration matters
  Senate concurred
• Massachusetts
  Involuntary Medical Treatment (incomplete)
  
  H1801
  Creates process for "critical community mental health service treatment plans" for which "the court, if necessary, shall appoint counsel." [Same as SB 1115]
  Senate concurred
• Massachusetts
  Housing - Evictions
  
  H1952
  Establishes Access to Counsel Program for eviction and similar matters, providing full representation to certain tenants and owner occupants
  Senate concurred
• Massachusetts
  Housing - Evictions
  
  H3060
  Establishes the "Housing First and Housing for All Fund" to be used for a variety of purposes including the right to counsel. [Same as HB 1480]
  Senate concurred
• Massachusetts
  Housing - Evictions
  
  S968
  Establishes Access to Counsel Program for eviction and similar matters, providing full representation to certain tenants and owner occupants
  House concurred
• Massachusetts
  Involuntary Medical Treatment (incomplete)
  
  S1115
  Creates process for "critical community mental health service treatment plans" for which "the court, if necessary, shall appoint counsel." [Same as HB 1801]
  House concurred
• Massachusetts
  Other subject area
  
  H261
  Provides right to counsel to indigent surrogate decision makers in matters related to revocation of their decision making authority
  Senate concurred
• Massachusetts
  Other subject area
  
  H264
  Provides right to counsel to indigent surrogate decision makers in matters related to revocation of their decision making authority
  Senate concurred
• Massachusetts
  Consumer or Other Debt
  Other subject area
  
  H1809
  The court shall appoint counsel to represent decedent's homestead where an additional stay of a creditor's foreclosure action was denied
  Hearing scheduled for 04/22/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
• Massachusetts
  Other subject area
  
  S155
  Provides right to counsel to indigent surrogate decision makers in matters related to revocation of their decision making authority
  House concurred
• Minnesota
  SF3019
  Requires court to appoint attorney adviser or guardian ad litem in cases involving civil settlement agreement where court has reason to believe person has brain injury
  Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
• Missouri
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  
  SB43
  Provides right to client directed counsel for children between 14 and 17 years of age in abuse matters.
  Hearing Conducted H Judiciary
• Missouri
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children
  Truancy - Petition Against Child
  
  SB440
  Replaces right to atty GAL in abuse/TPR matters with RTC and discretionary appointment in truancy cases with mandatory appointment
  Second Read and Referred S Families, Seniors and Health Committee
• Missouri
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  
  HB737
  Creates right to counsel for children 14 years of age or older but less than 18 in abuse cases, beginning in January 2028, and other changes.
  Senate Message (S)
• Montana
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
  
  SB468
  Would have required notice, a hearing, and a right to counsel in child abuse registry matters
  (S) Sent to Enrolling
• Montana
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  
  HB913
  Amends law so counsel is only required for kids in neglect cases when no GAL is appointed; permits appointment on case by case basis otherwise
  (S) Committee Report--Bill Concurred (S) Judiciary
• Nebraska
  Truancy - Petition Against Child
  
  LB65
  Exempting parents and juveniles from having to pay certain costs in a variety of matters including truancy proceedings under Section 43 247(3).
  Dungan name added
• Nebraska
  Other subject area
  
  LB66
  Provides a right to counsel to unrepresented individuals in matters related to determinations of their capacity to make health care decisions.
  Notice of hearing for March 19, 2025
• Nevada
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
  
  AB344
  Expands discretionary appointment for parents in abuse cases; requires counsel for indigent parent respondents absent 'good cause.'
  Notice of eligibility for exemption.
• Nevada
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Child (incomplete)
  
  AB387
  In guardianships, kid's counsel is discretionary, unless local legal aid has capacity, in which case counsel must be appointed.
  Dispensed with reprinting.
• Nevada
  Other subject area
  
  AB63
  Non Substantive: Amends provision related to discretionary appointment of counsel for persons bringing civil action for wrongful conviction
  Dispensed with reprinting.
• New Hampshire
  Forfeiture (incomplete)
  
  HB615
  Provides a right to counsel to forfeiture defendants who are represented by appointed counsel in related criminal matter
  Lay HB615 on Table (Rep. Osborne): Motion Adopted DV 195-163 03/13/2025 House Journal 8
• New Hampshire
  Incarceration for Fees/Fines (incomplete)
  
  HB611
  Abolishing recoupment procedures regarding appointed counsel for indigent criminal defendants which impacts fees and fines matters
  Retained in Committee
• New Jersey
  Housing - Evictions
  
  A1079
  Creating statewide RTC program for eligible tenants in eviction matters and appropriating money for such purposes.
  Introduced, Referred to Assembly Housing Committee
• New Jersey
  Other subject area
  
  A1751
  Permitting the court to appoint counsel for a servicemember in an action or proceeding in which they are a party.
  Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee
• New Jersey
  Domestic Violence - Accused Person
  Domestic Violence - Alleged Victim
  
  AJR36
  Creating a task force to study the impact of lack of counsel in domestic abuse matters
  Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
• New Jersey
  Housing - Evictions
  
  S1728
  Providing a right to appointed counsel for residential tenants in eviction matters based on post tax AMI or their ability to pay.
  Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
• New Jersey
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person
  
  S2317
  A protected or proposed protected adult shall be represented throughout guardianship proceedings; requiring counsel to interview individual no more than 72 hrs before each hearing
  Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
• New Jersey
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person
  
  S2318
  Changing appointment of counsel for adult subject to conservatorship matter from discretionary to mandatory
  Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
• New Jersey
  Bypass of Parental Input into Abortion - Minor (Pre-Dobbs)
  
  S3740
  Seeking to reinstate parental notification of abortion requirement, which was held unconstitutional by the NJ Sup. Court, by requiring minors to notify parents of all surgeries and not just abortions.
  Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
• New Jersey
  Domestic Violence - Accused Person
  Domestic Violence - Alleged Victim
  
  SJR106
  Creating a task force to study the impact of lack of counsel in domestic abuse matters
  Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
• New Jersey
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person
  
  A3996
  Makes clear that a ward or proposed ward is entitled to appointed counsel if unable to afford an attorney and shall be represented throughout the guardianship proceedings
  Introduced, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee
• New Jersey
  Other subject area
  
  S2414
  Permitting the court to appoint counsel for a servicemember in an action or proceeding in which they are a party.
  Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee
• New Mexico
  Other subject area
  
  SB429
  Providing RTC to children and certain parents in reinstatement of parental rights matters, including on appeal
  Sent to SHPAC - Referrals: SHPAC/SJC
• New York
  Immigration
  
  A00270
  Providing right to counsel to income eligible individuals in immigration court removal proceedings.
  referred to codes
• New York
  Housing - Evictions
  
  A01086
  The court may appoint counsel in residential eviction cases for 'senior citizen' respondents if respondent is unrepresented or fails to appear.
  referred to housing
• New York
  Custody Disputes - Children
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children
  
  A06189
  Would create special dependency process for "special immigration juveniles" and require appointment of counsel for minors in such proceedings.
  referred to children and families
• New York
  Immigration
  
  S00141
  Providing right to counsel to income eligible individuals in immigration court removal proceedings.
  REFERRED TO FINANCE
• New York
  Immigration
  
  S01066
  Providing right to counsel to persons "unable to afford counsel" against whom a removal proceeding may be or has been commenced
  REFERRED TO FINANCE
• New York
  Bypass of Parental Input into Abortion - Minor (Pre-Dobbs)
  
  S01970
  Requires minors to notify parent of intent to seek abortion and provides counsel if minor seeks waiver of requirement
  REFERRED TO WOMEN'S ISSUES
• New York
  Other subject area
  
  A00343
  Provides a right to legal services for small 'covered businesses' in certain bankruptcy cases filed before March 27, 2026.
  referred to judiciary
• New York
  Housing - Evictions
  
  A01576
  Requiring a minimum 14 day continuance for eviction respondents entitled to counsel but unable to secure counsel through no fault of their own.
  referred to judiciary
• New York
  Other subject area
  
  A00545
  The court may appoint atty for some unrepresented defendants in matters related to animal caretaking costs where the animal was confiscated
  referred to agriculture
• New York
  Custody Disputes - Children
  
  A06194
  Requires court to appoint counsel for child in custody dispute "when facially credible allegations of substantial risk to the child's safety have been made."
  referred to judiciary
• New York
  All Basic Human Needs
  
  A06398
  Would create state agency to provide discretionary appointment of counsel for civil cases and require it for certain cases involving revocation/suspension of driver's license.
  
  2025/03/24 Would create RTC for indigent person facing revocation/suspension of driver's license in certain situations.
  referred to judiciary
• New York
  Immigration
  
  S01650
  Would provide a right to counsel for unaccompanied minors in immigration proceedings.
  PRINT NUMBER 1650A
• New York
  All Basic Human Needs
  
  S03991
  Would create state agency to provide discretionary appointment of counsel for civil cases and require it for certain cases involving revocation/suspension of driver's license.
  REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
• New York
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  Immigration
  
  S04260
  Would create special dependency process for "special immigration juveniles" and require appointment of counsel for minors in such proceedings.
  
  2025/03/24 Would create special dependency process for "special immigration juveniles" and require appointment of counsel for minors in such proceedings.
  REFERRED TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
• New York
  Benefits - Claimant
  Custody Disputes - Parents
  Housing - Discrimination
  Housing - Evictions
  Housing - General
  
  S04556
  Creates right to counsel for veterans at 400% of federal poverty level for cases involving real property, sustenance, and children.
  REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
• New York
  Custody Disputes - Children
  
  S05998
  Requires court to appoint counsel for child in custody dispute "when facially credible allegations of substantial risk to the child's safety have been made."
  REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO CODES
• New York
  Sexually Dangerous Persons - Registration/Notification
  
  A07174
  Requires appointment of counsel for sex offenders challenging requirement to wear GPS device.
  referred to correction
• New York
  Other subject area
  
  S01647
  Would provide a right to counsel in relation to proceedings involving loss of access to firearms.
  REFERRED TO CODES
• New York
  Other subject area
  
  S06447
  Would provide right to counsel for certain covered businesses in bankruptcy proceedings.
  REFERRED TO FINANCE
• New York
  Benefits - Claimant
  Child Support Establishment
  Housing - Evictions
  Housing - General
  Other subject area
  
  A02360
  Provides for the discretionary appointment of counsel in a variety of civil areas for veterans at or below 400% of the FPL
  referred to judiciary
• New York
  Housing - Evictions
  
  A04669
  Creates a right to full representation for 'eligible individuals' in covered matters, which include eviction and similar proceedings.
  referred to judiciary
• New York
  Housing - Evictions
  
  S06772
  Would create NY Office of Civil Representation to oversee right to counsel for those facing a loss of housing or seeking to enforce the warranty of habitability.
  REFERRED TO HOUSING, CONSTRUCTION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
• New York
  Other subject area
  
  A02472
  Would provide a right to counsel in relation to proceedings involving loss of access to firearms.
  referred to judiciary
• New York
  Immigration
  
  A02582
  Would provide a right to counsel for unaccompanied minors in immigration proceedings. [Same as AB 2582]
  referred to social services
• North Dakota
  Domestic Violence - Accused Person
  Domestic Violence - Alleged Victim
  
  HB1489
  Court may appoint an attorney guardian ad litem in civil protection order actions for a certain minor
  Sent to Governor
• Ohio
  Housing - Evictions
  
  SB83
  Creating legal service housing defense fund to be administered by state public defender
  Referred to committee: Judiciary
• Ohio
  Housing - Evictions
  
  HB181
  Creates fund for representation of tenants in eviction proceedings and provides that Ohio Access to Justice Foundation must contract with legal services providers to provide full legal representation to tenants with children who are below 250% of the federal poverty level.
  Referred to committee: Judiciary
• Oklahoma
  Other subject area
  
  HB1687
  Creates process to determine whether person lacks capacity to make or revoke health care decision / instruction or power of attorney, and requires appointment of counsel for the person.
  Second Reading referred to Health and Human Services
• Oregon
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
  
  HB2999
  Requires DHS to advise 'subject persons' being investigated for child abuse of their rights at investigation interview or property search
  Referred to Early Childhood and Human Services.
• Oregon
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
  
  SB736
  Requires DHS to provide written notice of rights to parent or guardian subjects of abuse investigations before any face to face meeting.
  Referred to Early Childhood and Human Services.
• Oregon
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Birth Parents
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Birth Parents
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children
  
  HB3658
  Replacing right to counsel with discretionary appointment for certain children and parents in abuse and TPR (State) cases
  Referred to Judiciary.
• Pennsylvania
  Sexually Dangerous Persons - Registration/Notification
  
  HB849
  Creates new process for registration of sex offenders and provides a right to counsel for the offender.
  Referred to JUDICIARY
• Pennsylvania
  Sexually Dangerous Persons - Registration/Notification
  
  SB493
  Creates new process for registration of sex offenders and provides a right to counsel for the offender.
  Referred to JUDICIARY
• Rhode Island
  Housing - Evictions
  
  S0512
  Creating right to legal representation for eligible tenants in certain eviction and similar matters
  Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/22/2025)
• South Carolina
  Custody Disputes - Children
  
  H3622
  Amends discretionary appointment of GAL for kids in custody cases to require the GAL to be a licensed atty, unless both parents are pro se
  Referred to Committee on Judiciary
• Tennessee
  Other subject area
  
  HB1053
  The court must appoint counsel before revoking the provisional right to vote. Same as SB 1119.
  Assigned to s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee
• Tennessee
  Other subject area
  
  SB1119
  The court must appoint counsel before revoking the provisional right to vote. Same as HB 1053.
  Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
• Tennessee
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Birth Parents
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children
  
  SB0485
  Requires counsel for parents and custodians of Indian children in removal, placement and TPR; permits appointment of counsel for Indian kids.
  Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
• Texas
  Other subject area
  
  SB600
  The court shall appoint an atty ad litem in a partition action to represent the interests of any joint owners whose name or location is unknown
  Left pending in committee
• Texas
  Custody Disputes - Children
  Custody Disputes - Parents
  Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Birth Parents
  Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Children
  
  SB323
  Non substantive: Amends family code sections covering permissive appointment of amicus counsel for parents or children in custody and TPR (Private) matters
  Referred to Jurisprudence
• Texas
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  
  HB3382
  Would clarify that appointment of attorney ad litem for child in neglect case cannot be later than 72 hours before the full adversary hearing.
  Referred to s/c on Family & Fiduciary Relationships by Speaker
• Texas
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
  
  SB2501
  Specifies that parent entitled to appointment of counsel in abuse/neglect cases can select their own attorney, who can then be compensated by the State.
  Referred to Jurisprudence
• Vermont
  Housing - Evictions
  
  H0399
  Provides right to court appointed counsel for indigent tenants in evictions
  Read first time and referred to the Committee on General and Housing
• Vermont
  Housing - Evictions
  
  S0091
  Provides right to court appointed counsel for indigent tenants in evictions
  Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs
• Virginia
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  Truancy - Petition Against Child
  
  HB1263
  Prohibiting the court from requiring parents to pay the costs of child's attorney or GAL in abuse/neglect and truancy matters
  Left in Finance and Appropriations
• Virginia
  Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Children
  
  HB765
  Creates cause of action for the private termination of parental rights due to a conception resulting from sexual assault, for which court may appoint guardian ad litem for the child.
  Left in Courts of Justice
• Virginia
  Incarceration for Fees/Fines (incomplete)
  
  HB2223
  Prohibiting the court from levying appointed counsel fees against indigent criminal defendants, which could impact civil fees and fines matters.
  Left in Appropriations
• Virginia
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  Truancy - Petition Against Child
  
  SB481
  Prohibiting the court from requiring parents to pay the costs of child's attorney or GAL in abuse/neglect and truancy matters
  Left in Finance and Appropriations
• Washington
  Housing - Evictions
  
  HB1089
  Before the deadline in summons, tenants must respond in writing and provide supporting documentation to OCLA or they cannot receive attorney.
  First reading, referred to Housing.
• Washington
  Involuntary Medical Treatment (incomplete)
  
  HB1905
  Related to right to counsel in involuntary medical treatment matters
  First reading, referred to Civil Rights & Judiciary.
• Washington
  Housing - Evictions
  
  HB1915
  Updating statutory language, e.g., that on the Eviction Summons, to inform tenants that they may lose RTC if they fail to respond by deadline
  Public hearing in the House Committee on Housing at 1:30 PM.
• Washington
  Housing - Evictions
  
  SB5740
  Before deadline in summons, tenants must respond in writing and provide supporting documentation to OCLA or they cannot receive attorney
  Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.
• Washington
  Housing - Evictions
  
  SB5741
  Attempts to address eviction court capacity issues by permitting county judges to appoint housing commissioners to hear eviction matters
  Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.
• Washington
  Involuntary Medical Treatment (incomplete)
  
  SB5745
  Related to right to counsel in involuntary medical treatment matters
  President signed.
• Washington
  Housing - Evictions
  
  HB1621
  Attempts to address eviction court capacity issues by permitting county judges to appoint housing commissioners to hear eviction matters
  Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.
• West Virginia
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  
  HB2035
  Creates pilot program to apparently test out new delivery model for legal services for children in neglect abuse/cases.
  
  2025/03/19 Creating pilot program in three locations to provide publicly delivered legal services for children in juvenile abuse and neglect cases
  To House Finance
• West Virginia
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Parent or Guardian
  Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Birth Parents
  
  HB2201
  In adoptions/guardianships stemming from abuse matter, requiring appointed counsel for potential adoptive parents or guardians
  To House Judiciary
• West Virginia
  Forfeiture (incomplete)
  
  HB2383
  Provides counsel in controlled substances forfeiture matters where the person was represented by appointed counsel in the related criminal case
  Markup Discussion
• West Virginia
  Forfeiture (incomplete)
  
  HB2673
  Provides counsel in controlled substances forfeiture matters where the person was represented by appointed counsel in the related criminal case
  To House Judiciary
• West Virginia
  Forfeiture (incomplete)
  
  SB591
  Provides counsel in controlled substances forfeiture matters where the person was represented by appointed counsel in the related criminal case
  To Judiciary

Dead Bills

• State
  Subject Area
  Bill Number
  Summary
  Last Action
• Colorado
  Forfeiture (incomplete)
  
  HB1067
  If defendant is represented by appointed counsel in criminal matter, the representation extends to any related forfeiture case.
  House Committee on Judiciary Postpone Indefinitely
• Colorado
  Civil Commitment
  
  HB1251
  Repealing right to counsel for minor's objecting to their continued hospitalization for mental health treatment
  House Committee on Health & Human Services Postpone Indefinitely
• Colorado
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Child (incomplete)
  
  SB134
  Adopting the UGCOPA Act, requiring appointment of counsel for certain minors and adults subject to such matters.
  Senate Committee on Judiciary Postpone Indefinitely
• Mississippi
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children
  
  HB1335
  Bill would have removed the requirement that a court appoints BOTH an atty and a GAL for a child in a TPR (State) case
  Died In Committee
• Mississippi
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children
  
  HB1443
  Requiring court to make a finding on the record about whether a conflict exists btw child atty's dual role
  Died In Committee
• Utah
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Birth Parents
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children
  
  HB0030
  Provides indigent parents/Indian custodians with counsel in and discretionary appointment for Indian children in such matters
  House/ filed in House file for bills not passed