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.
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.
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.
Guardianship bill gutted of provisions that would’ve strengthened the right to counsel
A bill that would have removed the request requirement is now simply a Guardianship Bill of Rights.
Cross-filed bills that would’ve appropriated $5 million for access to counsel die
Two 2026 bills aimed to increase access to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
