Two eviction right to counsel-related bills die
HB 1952 would have: (i) established a statewide Access to Counsel Program for eviction and similar cases and (ii) directed Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation to establish the program, using specifically designated funding. The legal representation provided would be full representation.
Individuals eligible to receive services under the law would have included indigent parties in eviction or similar proceedings who are either (a) tenants or occupants of a property rented for dwelling purposes; or (b) owner-occupants of a 1-to-3 family dwelling that is their sole dwelling. The bill also would have established an advisory committee comprised of 15 members from diverse regions to be appointed by the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation. The Corporation, in consultation with the advisory committee and designated organizations, would be charged with determining how to phase in the access to counsel program over a 5-year period.
Unfortunately, HB 1952 was replaced by a study order bill, so it’s essentially dead. (But cross-filed bill, SB 968, appears to remain active as of July 2026.)
A related bill, HB 4063, which would have created a right to access to counsel for tenants facing eviction., was also replaced by a study order bill and as such, is essentially dead.
Bill Status: Dead
Last action (on 03/26/2026): Accompanied a study order, see H5281 and H5352.
The NCCRC filed testimony in support of HB 1952.
