Civil RTC News
This page lists all of the most recent developments on civil right to counsel across the country. These could be newly created rights to counsel, significant publications, public events, advocacy efforts, or other things that don’t fit into a neat category.
Minnesota passes bill strengthening right to counsel for Indian children
Indian children in any state child placement proceeding have the right to counsel if they are 10 years of age or older.
No such proceeding
Services may be provided consensually. The department may remove a guardian or terminate guardianship through an action in probate.
Mississippi finally guarantees counsel for parents in termination cases
The state passed SB 2792, providing right to counsel to all indigent parents in termination of parental rights cases.
Mississippi finally guarantees RTC for parents in abuse/neglect cases
The state passed SB 2792, providing right to counsel to indigent custodial parents in abuse cases and to all indigent parents in TPR matters.
Federal rule change opens up funding for civil legal rep
A change to Title IV-E opens up matching federal funding for civil legal representation connected to foster care proceedings.
Three eviction RTC bills introduced
The SC legislature considered three bills in 2023 that would have provided certain tenants with a right to counsel in eviction matters.
All About D.C.’s RTC pilots
The D.C. Council appropriated $4.5 million for housing eviction defense with an eye towards a right to counsel in housing cases.
All about the right to counsel for tenants in San Francisco
A ballot initiative passed in June 2018 guarantees counsel for San Francisco tenants in eviction cases regardless of income.
Studies measure Chattanooga tenant rep pilot impact
Several reports examining Chattaooga's Eviction Prevention Initiative find it has a number of benefits.
GA law permits attorney ad litem appointment to review DFCS’s decision NOT to terminate parental rights
If DFCS decides not to file a TPR petition, the court may appoint an attorney ad litem for the child to review that decision.
Forfeiture right to counsel bill indefinitely postponed
The bill would have provided appointed counsel to certain forfeiture defendants and allowed appointment for indigent innocent owners.
Nebraska enacts right to counsel for certain public housing tenants
In 2024, Nebraska enacted a right to appointed counsel for public housing residents in certain cities for administrative hearings & evictions.
