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MA S874

Promoting housing stability and homelessness prevention in Massachusetts


summary

Introduced
03/29/2021
In Committee
03/29/2021
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2022

Introduced Session

192nd General Court

Bill Summary

For legislation to promote housing stability and homelessness prevention through a right to counsel pilot program in Massachusetts in response to the COVID-emergency. Housing.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a statewide "Right to Counsel Program" in Massachusetts to provide free legal assistance and full representation to eligible individuals, including low-income tenants, occupants, and owner-occupants, in certain housing-related legal proceedings such as evictions. The program will be administered by the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, which will designate qualified organizations to provide the legal representation. The bill also requires landlords to provide a form approved by the Supreme Judicial Court to notify individuals of their potential eligibility for legal counsel, and allows for a reasonable continuation of proceedings if the eligible individual did not receive the form or if their legal counsel needs more time to prepare.

Committee Categories

Housing and Urban Affairs

Sponsors (32)

Last Action

Accompanied a study order, see H5266 (on 09/19/2022)

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