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.
Federal stimulus/budget bill has money for tenant representation
The relief/omnibus bill passed by Congress in December 2020 has several pots of money for tenant representation.
PRIORITY BILL: counsel in DV cases
Two bills would a create legislative task force to study appointment of counsel for DV victims.
PRIORITY BILL: counsel in guardianship cases
A proposed bill would require appointment of counsel for the protected person in guardianship cases, rather than it being discretionary.
AAAS highlights right to counsel in civil justice report
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences released a report highlighting efforts to expand the right to counsel in civil cases.
No such proceeding
Though there is a RTC in "sexual psychopath" commitment and related hearings, the Sexual Psychopath Act has been held unconstitutional.
About COVID-19 and the right to counsel
All about COVID-19 and how it relates to the right to counsel in critically important civil cases like housing.
Rochester NY to provide counsel for all tenants
Rochester NY will be providing counsel to all tenants facing eviction.
Sen. Harris files federal right to counsel bill
Sen. Kamala Harris filed a comprehensive housing reform bill that would, among other things, provide a right to counsel for tenants.
New tool predicts expected # of eviction filings due to COVID-19
A new tool shows the number of rent-unstable renter households in the U.S. as well as how many eviction filings that may lead to.
MA high court avoids RTC question for civil contempt, but issues strong ruling/concurrence
The Massachusetts high court avoided answering whether there is a right to counsel for civil contempt cases, but issued a strong opinion.
Iowa pilot will allow early appointment of counsel for parents
A bill passed in 2020 will allow the public defender to appoint counsel for parents prior to formal dependency proceedings.
Study: COVID-19, housing instability, and right to counsel
A new study explains how COVID-19, the public health crisis, evictions, and the right to counsel are connected.
