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.
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.
Santa Monica expands tenant representation program
Santa Monica has taken steps to move towards a right to counsel in eviction cases.
Unaccompanied minors bill dies in Emerging Issues Committee
AS 2026 bill, HB 3159, would have provided a right to counsel to unaccompanied minors in immigration-related matters.
All about Idaho’s repeal of right to counsel for parents in TPR cases
As a result of a 2025 change, parents no longer have a right to counsel. Rather, appointment is on a case-by-case basis.
Oklahoma legislature creates right to counsel for capacity determinations
Unrepresented persons subject to a petition to determine their health care decision making capacity have the right to counsel.
