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.
Nebraska enacts right to counsel for certain public housing tenants
In 2024, Nebraska enacted a right to appointed counsel for public housing residents in certain cities for administrative hearings & evictions.
The NCCRC celebrates Fair Housing Month
As the Fair Housing Act celebrates its 56th anniversary, we at the NCCRC take a moment to acknowledge its critical role in housing justice.
Bill would have provided RTC to persons in child abuse registry matters
The Arizona Senate bill was enacted, but the right to counsel provisions were removed through amendment.
Appellate court finds withdrawal of mother’s attorney violated fundamental fairness
An appellate court reversed termination of a mother's parental rights where the trial court allowed her attorney to withdraw the day of trial.
Lawsuit challenging failure to appoint lawyers for foreclosed NY homeowners settles
A lawsuit by the NYCLU challenging the failure of NY courts to determine whether foreclosed homeowners should be appointed counsel has settled.
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.
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.
NH bill would have provided right to counsel to certain forfeiture defendants
The bill would have provided that a defendant who is represented by a PD or appointed counsel in a crim. matter shall be represented in any related forfeiture proceeding, but the amended bill calls only for a study committee of forfeiture generally.
Reaction to RAND op-ed in LA Times
Our Coordinator responds to a piece in the LA Times by a RAND economist attacking the idea of a tenant right to counsel.
MO legislature to consider several bills that would provide client-direct counsel for kids
The MO legislature is considering several bills that would change a child's right to an attorney GAL to the right to client-directed counsel.
HI introduces legislation to reform fees provision
Two 2024 bills would prohibit the court form assessing costs for minor's representation against minor or their parents.
Indiana introduces bills to provide a right to counsel for certain children in abuse cases
The Indiana legislature has introduced several bills that would reform the law around the right to counsel for children in abuse matters.
