Bill > H1763

This bill aims to provide legal services to small business property owners in addition to indigent individuals. It amends the existing Chapter 221A of the General Laws to define a "Qualified Small Business Land Owner" (QSBLO) as a landowner with three or fewer properties whose annual income falls below the guidelines set by the Board or whose property(ies) fall within the Loan to Value ratio guidelines established by the Board. The bill requires that at least 80% of the financial assistance provided by the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation be distributed to local programs, and up to 20% to statewide programs. Additionally, if a tenant pursuing legal action against their landlord is deemed eligible, the landlord must also be evaluated for eligibility as a QSBLO, and if the landlord is eligible, the tenant cannot receive legal services unless the landlord also receives them.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H1763