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.
NEW RESOURCE: advancing racial/health justice through RTC
A new policy brief explores how to advance both racial and health justice through a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction.
Bill contemplated pilot representation program for unlicensed caregivers
An Indiana Senate bill would have created a pilot program in certain counties to provide unlicensed caregivers with counsel in abuse cases.
Bills would have strengthened right to counsel-related procedures for minors
The Florida Senate introduced bills to require notice to minors of their right to counsel in involuntary mental health evaluation matters.
NY bill would guarantee counsel in all immigration removal cases
A statewide bill in NY would provide a right to counsel for both detained and non-detained immigrants in removal proceedings.
Bills intended to narrow the reach of the Alaska Supreme Court’s decision in Flores have died
Cross-filed bills meant to amend the definition of "public agency" to exclude the Alaska Legal Servs. Corp. and thus narrow access to counsel.
Several bills sought to strengthen counsel for parents and kids
In 2024, MO introduced legislation to address shortcomings in the right to counsel for both kids and their parents in various case types.
WA considers pre-petition RTC for parents in abuse cases
The bill would have provided a child's parent with the right to consult with counsel before signing a 'voluntary' placement agreement.
Bill would have provided right to counsel for guardianship termination and modification
The state Senate bill would have removed any ambiguity about whether a protected person is entitled to counsel in these matters.
Multiple eviction RTC bills introduced
The NY legislature introduced several bills related to the tenant right to counsel in eviction matters during the 2023-24 session.
