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 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.
The Restore Roe Act dies
A bill would have repealed the requirement that minors obtain parental consent for abortion, thus negating the right to counsel in bypass cases.
Members of Congress introduce federal immigration RTC bill
A bill introduced in Congress would provide a right to counsel for all immigrants facing deportation.
Memphis tenant rep pilot keeps more than 1/3 of tenants in homes
A Memphis-based tenant representation pilot kept more than 1/3 of tenants in their home while delivering other benefits.
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.
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.
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.
Study examines tenant RTC implementation challenges and systemic impacts
A new study in Housing Policy Debate dives into tenant RTC implementation challenges and major systemic benefits delivered by the programs.
Culver City CA considering RTC pilot ordinance
On April 14, 2025, the Culver City CA Council will vote on whether to adopt a 1-year RTC pilot program for tenants at 80% or below of AMI.
ND authorizes appointment of counsel for minors in certain DV cases
A court may appoint an attorney guardian ad litem in civil protection order actions in certain situations.
Report gives tenant rep highest marks for effectiveness, disparity reduction
The County Health Rankings gave legal representation for renters the highest marks as an evidence-based policy that addresses disparity.