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Bill > S864

MA S864

MA S864
Promoting access to counsel and housing stability in Massachusetts

summary

Introduced
02/16/2023
In Committee
08/08/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2024

Introduced Session

193rd 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 Access to Counsel Program in Massachusetts to provide free legal representation to low-income tenants and owner-occupants facing eviction or other covered housing proceedings. The program, to be administered by the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, will fund designated organizations to offer full legal representation to eligible individuals, defined as those receiving public assistance or earning 80% or less of the area median income. The bill also requires landlords to provide a court-approved form informing tenants of their right to counsel, and allows for reasonable continuations of proceedings if the tenant did not receive the form or their lawyer needs more time to prepare.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

Sponsors (22)

Last Action

No further action taken (on 12/31/2024)

Bill Topics

Community Development and Housing Issues
  • ‐ Homelessness
  • ‐ Housing and Community Development for Low and Middle Income Persons
Law, Crime, and Family Issues
  • ‐ Civil Law and Procedure
(4 Companion Bills)

bill text

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location Created
State Bill Page https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S864 03/10/2023
BillText https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S864.pdf 03/10/2023
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