The state is considering a right-to-counsel bill that would set up a state “Office of Civil Representation” to provide attorneys to tenants in eviction cases.
The office could also contract organizations to represent people in court.
The bill requires the provision of information on tenants’ rights, and non-compliance with the law could result in vacating eviction warrants.
Legislators have pushed for policies like “Good Cause Eviction” to limit filings that inundate courts and shelter systems by forcing people from their homes.
The cost of implementing the right-to-counsel bill is estimated at $500 million, with proponents stating that it would save public dollars with fewer people homeless or in shelters.
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