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Caution: A bill’s status as ‘Active’ may fall out of date due to variations in state session dates, special sessions, and other factors.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
• 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
  Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 146, Statutes of 2025.
• California
  Immigration
  
  AB1261
  Would require, subject to appropriation, State to "provide legal counsel to immigrant youth in the State of California" and "require the department to allocate funding for these purposes."
  Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 665, Statutes of 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
  Domestic Violence - Accused Person
  Domestic Violence - Alleged Victim
  
  HB1489
  A court may appoint an attorney guardian ad litem in civil protection order actions in certain situations.
  Filed with Secretary Of State 04/22
• 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
• Tennessee
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  
  HB1359
  Requires dep't to issue rules to implement foster children's rights, including the right to be free from restricted contact with legal counsel
  Comp. became Pub. Ch. 387
• Tennessee
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  
  SB1015
  Requires dep't to issue rules to implement foster children's rights, including the right to be free from restricted contact with legal counsel
  Effective date(s) 07/01/2025
• Texas
  Other subject area
  
  SB1448
  If service by publication occurs, the court may appoint an atty ad litem to represent the distributees of the deceased person's estate
  Effective on 9/1/25
• Washington
  Involuntary Medical Treatment (incomplete)
  
  SB5745
  Related to right to counsel in involuntary medical treatment matters
  Effective date 5/12/2025*.
• Washington
  Housing - Evictions
  
  HB1621
  Attempts to address eviction court capacity issues by permitting county judges to appoint housing commissioners to hear eviction matters
  Effective date 5/13/2025.

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 FINANCE
• Alaska
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person
  
  SB190
  Narrows RTC for respondents in guardianship/conservatorship cases, adopting UGCOPA provisions that require atty if one of three factors apply.
  REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
• California
  Housing - Evictions
  
  SB423
  Would amend state tax code related to real estate property transfer taxes, which would reduce revenue generated by Measure ULA (which funds City of LA's tenant RTC)
  (Corrected September 30).
• Delaware
  Other subject area
  
  SB79
  Would provide right to counsel for certain relatives petitioning for termination of parental rights for the purposes of adoption.
  Adopted in lieu of the original bill SB 79, and 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.
• Federal
  Immigration
  
  HB3127
  Creates a right to counsel for immigrants facing deportation.
  Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• Federal
  Immigration
  
  SB1297
  Provides right to counsel for unaccompanied minors who are unrepresented in removal proceedings and related matters
  Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
• Federal
  Other subject area
  Truancy - Petition Against Child
  
  SB1102
  Purposes of the Act include "to protect the constitutional rights to due process ... under the Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendments..."
  Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
• Federal
  Immigration
  
  HB4245
  The bill would provide a right to court appointed counsel upon request for indigent individuals in removal proceedings
  Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• Federal
  Immigration
  
  SB2231
  The bill would provide a right to court appointed counsel upon request for indigent individuals in removal proceedings
  Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
• Federal
  Housing - Evictions
  
  HB4761
  Provides grants to State and local gov'ts that enact RTC for tenants in eviction cases
  Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• Federal
  Immigration
  
  HB4542
  Requiring report to congressional committees complaints by detained individuals about "detention conditions, access to counsel, or treatment."
  Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• Federal
  Housing - Evictions
  
  SB2463
  Provides grants to State and local gov'ts that enact RTC for tenants in eviction cases
  Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
• Florida
  Domestic Violence - Accused Person
  
  H1455
  Creates a right to counsel for indigent respondents in risk protection order matters
  Now in Criminal Justice Subcommittee
• Hawaii
  Housing - Evictions
  
  HB1324
  Attempts to expand access to representation for eligible tenants facing eviction
  Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
• 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.
  Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
• 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.
  Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
• 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. [Same as HB 129.]
  Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
• 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.
  Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
• 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
  Housing - Evictions
  
  HB1181
  Creates access to counsel in eviction task force to review the eviction process and potential funding to increase tenant's access to counsel
  First reading: referred to Committee on Judiciary
• Indiana
  Quarantine/Isolation
  
  SB0174
  Would repeal right to counsel provisions in quarantine matters under Section 16 41 9 1.5
  Senators Byrne, Doriot added as coauthors
• 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.
  The Bill was in the possession of the Committee on JUDICIARY when it was approved by Referendum Vote on November 4, 2025.
• 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]
  Hearing scheduled for 11/19/2025 from 11:00 AM-05:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium
• Massachusetts
  Sexually Dangerous Persons - Registration/Notification
  
  H1783
  Revokes the right to counsel for persons alleged to be sexually dangerous in classification/registration matters
  Hearing scheduled for 06/17/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
• 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]
  Hearing rescheduled to 11/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-08:00 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
• Massachusetts
  Housing - Evictions
  
  H1952
  Establishes Access to Counsel Program for eviction and similar matters, providing full representation to certain tenants and owner occupants
  Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
• 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]
  Hearing scheduled for 09/15/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
• Massachusetts
  Housing - Evictions
  
  S968
  Establishes Access to Counsel Program for eviction and similar matters, providing full representation to certain tenants and owner occupants
  Bill reported favorably by committee as changed and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
• 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]
  Hearing rescheduled to 11/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-08:00 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
• Massachusetts
  Other subject area
  
  H261
  Provides right to counsel to indigent surrogate decision makers in matters related to revocation of their decision making authority
  Accompanied a new draft, see H4852
• Massachusetts
  Other subject area
  
  H264
  Provides right to counsel to indigent surrogate decision makers in matters related to revocation of their decision making authority
  Accompanied a new draft, see H4852
• Massachusetts
  Consumer or Other Debt
  Housing - Foreclosure
  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
  Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
• Massachusetts
  Housing - Evictions
  
  H4063
  Creates a right to access to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
  Hearing scheduled for 11/19/2025 from 11:00 AM-05:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium
• Massachusetts
  Forfeiture (incomplete)
  
  S1049
  Provides counsel in forfeiture cases brought under the controlled substances act to certain indigent criminal defendants and property owners
  Accompanied a study order (under JR10), see S2886
• Massachusetts
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
  
  H4656
  The bill doesn't create or expand parents' RTC in abuse cases but requires notice to parents of their rights upon first contact with the Dep't
  Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
• Massachusetts
  Other subject area
  
  H4852
  Provides right to counsel to indigent surrogate decision makers in matters related to revocation of their decision making authority
  Reported favorably by committee and referred to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing
• Massachusetts
  Forfeiture (incomplete)
  
  S2886
  Replaces SB 2019, which would have provided certain criminal defendants with a right to counsel at a related forfeiture matter
  Discharged to the committee on Senate Rules
• Michigan
  Housing - Evictions
  
  SB0179
  Appropriating $1.5 million to "a city that has established a tenant [RTC] program to implement a [RTC] program for city tenants..."
  Referred To Committee On Appropriations
• Michigan
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person
  
  SB0586
  Provides a RTC to unrepresented individuals objecting to their guardian's petition to move them from their permanent residence
  Referred To Committee On Judiciary
• 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
• Minnesota
  Forfeiture (incomplete)
  
  HF3329
  Provides right to counsel in certain controlled substance related forfeiture cases
  Author added Feist
• Minnesota
  Forfeiture (incomplete)
  
  SF3524
  Provides right to counsel in certain controlled substance related forfeiture cases
  Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
• Mississippi
  Involuntary Medical Treatment (incomplete)
  
  HB424
  Creates process for assisted outpatient treatment for which a right to counsel attaches for indigent or unrepresented respondents
  Referred To Public Health and Human Services;Judiciary A
• Missouri
  Involuntary Medical Treatment (incomplete)
  
  HB2512
  Provides counsel for temporary emergency admissions, as well as petitions to continue to involuntary medical treatment beyond temporary period
  Read Second Time (H)
• 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).
  Title printed. Carryover bill
• 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.
  Title printed. Carryover bill
• Nebraska
  Truancy - Petition Against Child
  
  LR170
  Proposes interim study to examine children's access to legal counsel in juvenile proceedings
  Referred to Judiciary Committee
• New Hampshire
  Forfeiture (incomplete)
  
  HB1801
  If a criminal defendant is represented by appointed counsel, the attorney shall also represent them in the related civil forfeiture proceeding
  Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Judiciary House Journal 1
• New Hampshire
  Incarceration for Fees/Fines (incomplete)
  
  HB611
  Abolishing recoupment procedures regarding appointed counsel for indigent criminal defendants, which can implicate subsequent matters related to incarceration for court costs or fees
  Inexpedient to Legislate: Motion Adopted Voice Vote 01/07/2026 House Journal 1
• 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
  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 Jersey
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Birth Parents
  
  A5639
  Removes municipal authority to charge application fee for representation by the public defender
  Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
• New Jersey
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Birth Parents
  
  S4396
  Removes municipal authority to charge application fee for representation by the public defender
  Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
• New Jersey
  Custody Disputes - Children
  
  S4510
  Require appointed GAL or attorney to represent expressed preferences of the child unless they pose imminent risk of harm to the child.
  Passed Senate (Passed Both Houses) (22-16)
• New Jersey
  Housing - Evictions
  
  S2090
  Provides right to counsel for tenants earning 80% of less of the Area Median Income (AMI) in eviction cases
  Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
• New Jersey
  Domestic Violence - Accused Person
  Domestic Violence - Alleged Victim
  
  SJR20
  Creates task force to study that nature, extent, and consequences of unmet legal needs in domestic violence matters
  Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
• 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
  Immigration
  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.
  REFERRED TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
• 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
  Custody Disputes - Children
  Immigration
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children
  
  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."
  REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
• 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 - Foreclosure
  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
  enacting clause stricken
• 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
• New York
  Immigration
  
  A08188
  Local gov't entities can't contract w/airlines transporting individuals detained by ICE w/o demonstrating that due process rights were afforded
  referred to corporations, authorities and commissions
• New York
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
  
  A08272
  Seemingly creates a pre petition right to counsel for adults subject to child protective services investigations
  referred to children and families
• New York
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person
  
  A08301
  Creating RTC for respondents in certain guardianship cases
  referred to judiciary
• New York
  Immigration
  
  S07960
  Local gov't entities can't contract w/airlines transporting individuals detained by ICE w/o demonstrating that due process rights were afforded
  REFERRED TO PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTS
• New York
  Housing - Foreclosure
  
  S00126
  Would require appointment of counsel for defendant in foreclosure actions.
  REFERRED TO HOUSING, CONSTRUCTION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
• New York
  A09090
  Requires parental notification when minor seeks abortion but establishes bypass proceeding for which minors have a right to counsel
  referred to health
• 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
  Provides right to counsel for unrepresented persons subject to a petition to determine their health care decision making capacity
  Second Reading referred to Health and Human Services
• 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
• Pennsylvania
  Parentage - Petitioner or Child
  
  HB350
  Enacting Uniform Parentage Act; providing discretionary appointment of counsel for children in such matters at newly created Section 9618(b)
  Referred to Judiciary
• Pennsylvania
  Other subject area
  
  HB1859
  Provides counsel for indigent defendants in extreme risk protection order matters, which may result in revocation of firearms license
  Motion to reconsider final passage
• Pennsylvania
  Other subject area
  
  HB133
  Requires appointment of counsel or a guardian ad litem for the child in a reinstatement of parental rights matters
  Referred to Children & Youth
• 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.
  Placed on General State Calendar
• 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.
  Vetoed by the Governor
• 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
• Vermont
  Forfeiture (incomplete)
  
  H0592
  Amending Public Defender Act, 13 V.S.A. § 5232, to indicate that counsel should be assigned in certain civil forfeiture matters
  Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
• Virginia
  Truancy - Petition Against Child
  
  HB852
  Abolishing fees for representation by public defender
  Committee Referral Pending
• 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.
  By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
• Washington
  Involuntary Medical Treatment (incomplete)
  
  HB1905
  Related to right to counsel in involuntary medical treatment matters
  By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
• 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
  By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
• Washington
  Housing - Evictions
  
  SB5740
  Before deadline in summons, tenants must respond in writing and provide supporting documentation to OCLA or they cannot receive attorney
  By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
• Washington
  Housing - Evictions
  
  SB5741
  Attempts to address eviction court capacity issues by permitting county judges to appoint housing commissioners to hear eviction matters
  By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
• Washington
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Child (incomplete)
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Children - Parent or Guardian
  
  SB5837
  Amendments to child and adult guardianship and conservatorship provisions
  Scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice at 10:30 AM
• Washington D.C.
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
  Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Birth Parents
  
  B26
  At interviews with the child's caretaker, the agency must inform them of their right to counsel under Sec. 16 2304(b)(1)
  Public Hearing Held
• Washington D.C.
  Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
  
  B26
  Provides right to client directed counsel if youth's GAL disagrees with youth's filing of a support family agreement
  Public Hearing Held

Dead Bills

• State
  Subject Area
  Bill Number
  Summary
  Last Action
• New Jersey
  Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person
  
  S2317
  A protected or proposed protected adult has RTC throughout; 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