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.
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.
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.
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.
