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.
PA court reverses denial of counsel for kids, rejects post-hoc justification
An appellate court reversed a termination of parental rights where the trial court did not properly handle the children's right to counsel.
AZ enacts fee reform bill, eliminating fees
A 2026 bill prohibited certain fees from being charged, including for representation by the public defender.
CA funds access to counsel pilot, includes immigration
CA has enacted SB111 to fund access to counsel pilot including, not limited to, immigration legal services
Hawaii bill aims to ensure immigrants have access to their retained counsel
A 2026 bill enhances due process protections for individuals in immigration interviews.
Illinois enacts discretionary appointment for certain drivers license suspension defendants
The public defender may represent defendants in related drivers license suspension matters.
All about Cleveland’s eviction right to counsel
A 2019 ordinance guarantees counsel to Cleveland families with children facing eviction who are at or below 100% of the federal poverty level.
All about Vermont’s tenant rep pilot
Would extend existing tenant rep pilot program from 2 counties to whole state and carry forward $1 million appropriation until fully expended.
All about Nashville’s tenant RTC
A report on Nashville's tenant rep pilot found it helped 93% of tenants avoid eviction / involuntary move while saving millions of dollars.
Colorado is first state to enact broad RTC in forfeiture cases
Requires appointment of counsel upon request for forfeiture defendant.
Bill to create pre-petition right to counsel for parents dies in Committee
A 2026 bill would have provided adult subjects of CPS investigations with counsel before the filing of a court case.
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.
