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.
NV legislature expands appointment of counsel for indigent respondent parents
A 2025 change in the law requires counsel for indigent respondent parents.
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.
Right to counsel: Children at least 12 years of age & Indian children
Colorado added the right to client-directed counsel for older children in 2022 and Indian children in 2025.
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.
Maryland extends appropriations for the eviction right to counsel through 2028
In May 2025, Maryland enacted SB 154, extending funding for the eviction right to counsel and modifying task force provisions.
All about Columbus Ohio’s new tenant right to counsel
In Dec 2024, the City of Columbus enacted a right to counsel for certain tenants facing eviction.
All about the right to counsel for evictions in NYC
NYC is the first jurisdiction in the country to establish a right to counsel for low-income tenants in eviction cases, and is looking to expand.
Members of Congress introduce federal immigration RTC bill
A bill introduced in Congress would provide a right to counsel for all immigrants facing deportation.
WA Supreme Court protects tenant RTC
The Supreme Court of Washington ruled landlords cannot nullify the state's tenant RTC law by seeking an early default.
Missouri enacts right to client-directed counsel for kids 14 years of age and older!
Beginning in 2028, kids 14 and older have the right to client-directed counsel, while children younger than 14 receive an attorney GAL.
