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.
Illinois introduces eviction right to counsel bills
In 2023, the Illinois legislature introduced a few different bills that would provide for the appointment of counsel in eviction matters.
Massachusetts considers tenant right to counsel
Bills have been filed to create a statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, and a statewide coalition has been launched to support them.
White House version of Tenant Bill of Rights includes right to counsel
The recently-released White House Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights urges states to give tenants a right to counsel.
New disability policy framework includes right to counsel
New guidelines from the Disability Economic Justice Collaborative call for the inclusion of right to counsel as a reasonable accommodation.
CityHealth ranks cities on tenant right to counsel policies
CityHealth, which ranks cities on their policies, is making a push in conjunction with the NCCRC for cities to adopt a tenant right to counsel.
Alaska expands right to counsel for children
Provides for mandatory and discretionary appointment of counsel for children 10 years of age or older in CINA cases in certain circumstances.
KY appeals court: Denial of counsel for noncustodial parent was reversible error
The Kentucky Court of Appeals held that the failure to appoint counsel in a dependency proceeding required reversal of the termination order.
San Francisco ballot initiative establishes DV right to counsel pilot
A 2022 ballot initiative, Proposition D, creates a 1-year pilot to provide a right to counsel for San Francisco victims of domestic violence.
All about New Orleans’ Tenant Right to Counsel
In May 2022, the New Orleans City Council enacted an ordinance to provide a right to counsel for all tenants facing eviction.
Colorado adds right to counsel for older children in abuse/neglect cases
In 2022, Colorado added the right to client-directed counsel for older children in abuse/neglect cases.
All about Boulder’s eviction right to counsel
In Nov 2020, voters in Boulder Colorado approved a ballot initiative establishing a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
Colorado appellate court recognizes right to counsel in contempt cases post-Turner
The Colorado Court of Appeals has ruled that indigent parents in child support contempt cases pursued by the government have a right to counsel.
