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.
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.
New Jersey introduces bill to study impact of lack of counsel in DV matters
A bill introduced in 2024 would create a task force to study the impact of lack of counsel on domestic violence matters.
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.
PA joins majority of states in establishing RTC for guardianships
As of 2023, there is a right to client-directed counsel in guardianship proceedings regardless of ability to pay.
Federal funding for tenant rep / right to counsel
An increasing number of legal services programs have tapped a number of different federal funding pots to expand tenant representation.
All about Houston’s right to counsel pilot programs
A project provides all tenants counsel in certain Houston housing courts.
