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.
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.
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 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.
New NCCRC/CityHealth report highlights eviction right to counsel; webinar in Sept
A report by the NCCRC, CityHealth, and Enterprise Community Partners covers housing policies advancing health equity, such as right to counsel.
Michigan court: effective assistance of counsel needed for civil commitments
A Michigan Court of Appeals held that respondents in Michigan civil commitment proceedings are entitled to effective assistance of counsel.
Illinois creates immigration right to counsel task force
An enacted 2022 bill creates a task force to study implementation of an immigration right to counsel, with a report due in 2023.
ACLU/NCCRC report flags eviction’s harms, RTC’s promise
A joint report by the ACLU and NCCRC reviews the data on the widepsread consequences of evictions and right to counsel's impact on the problem.
