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.
Colorado is first state to enact broad RTC in forfeiture cases
Requires appointment of counsel upon request for forfeiture defendant.
All about tenant rep / RTC efforts in Providence and Rhode Island
Both Providence and Rhode Island have provided funding for tenant rep, and a RTC bill has been pending statewide for several years.
All about Philadelphia’s eviction right to counsel
The Philadelphia City Council has enacted a right to counsel for tenants.
All about the eviction RTC in Maryland
In May, Maryland became the second state to provide a statewide right to counsel for indigent tenants facing evictoin.
All about the tenant right to counsel in Kansas City
Kansas City has enacted an ordinance guaranteeing counsel for all tenants facing eviction regardless of income.
Santa Monica expands tenant representation program
Santa Monica has taken steps to move towards a right to counsel in eviction cases.
Boston pilot launched for rep of tenants with school-age children
In 2025, the Mayor of Boston announced $500,000 in funding to expand representation for tenants with school-age children.
Maine strengthens RTC in guardianship cases
There is a right to counsel for adults upon request or if the adult contests, at least in plenary guardianship and conservatorship 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.
Policy brief cites tenant RTC as crucial to good parent/child outcomes
A policy brief from an org focusing on parent/child health identified tenant RTC as an impactful policy.
Report gauges need, effective representation for pre-petition legal representation in child welfare cases
A new report surveys stakeholders in Texas to explore the issue of pre-child welfare involvement representation of parents and children.
NY State Bar advocates for RTC in immigration cases
The NY State Bar is backing a series of state bills that would expand access or create a right to counsel for immigration cases.
