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.
Litigation challenges termination of immigrant child legal rep grants
A federal court refused to reverse the cancellation of federal grants to fund representation of immigrant children in removal proceedings.
Indiana Supreme Court flags child’s need for counsel in CHINS cases
The Indiana Supreme Court expressed concern about the child's need for counsel in Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases.
Idaho legislature repeals the right to counsel for parents
As a result of a 2025 change, parents no longer have a right to counsel. Rather, appointment is on a case-by-case basis.
All about Nebraska’s right to counsel for certain public housing tenants
In 2024, Nebraska enacted a right to appointed counsel for public housing residents in certain cities for administrative hearings & evictions.
Akron creates 3-year tenant representation pilot
The City of Akron plans to launch a 3-year tenant representation pilot program in Sept 2025 using $750,000 of ARPA funding.
All about tenant RTC efforts in Bozeman MT
Bozeman tenants are calling on the city to enact a tenant RTC, and the city commissioners have said they are exploring it.
NV legislature enacts right to counsel for indigent respondent parents
A 2025 change in the law requires counsel for indigent respondent parents.
All about Louisville’s eviction right to counsel
Louisville is first the Southern city to enact an eviction right to counsel.
Study finds WA tenant RTC improves health
A new report found that Washington State's tenant right to counsel program improved tenant health in several ways.
MA court: Parents have right to counsel in certain private custody cases
The MA Court of Appeals held birth parents are entitled to counsel in permanent custody cases involving awards of custody to a nonparent.
All about the constitutional right to counsel in Ohio adoption cases
The Supreme Court of Ohio ruled that indigent parents in adoption cases have a right to counsel under the Equal Protection Clause.
All about the tenant RTC campaign in Phoenix
A coalition of advocates and government stakeholders have launched an effort to enact a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.