Bill > S03991

This bill creates the New York Civil Gideon Act, which aims to provide legal representation for low-income individuals in various civil legal proceedings. The bill establishes a Civil Right to Counsel Commission composed of 11 members from diverse backgrounds, including legal professionals, judges, and representatives from various organizations. The commission will oversee a comprehensive plan to provide legal representation to financially unable individuals in critical civil matters such as housing, health, license revocation, sustenance, and child-related cases. Financially unable is defined as individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. The bill creates an Assigned Counsel for Civil Matters Review Panel to ensure quality representation, process complaints, and establish training standards. A new Civil Gideon Assistance Fund will be established, funded in part by a $75 surcharge on attorneys' biennial fees, to help counties provide legal representation. The fund aims to supplement local funds and improve the quality of legal services for those who cannot afford an attorney. The bill's underlying goal is to address the significant unmet legal needs of low-income New Yorkers and ensure meaningful access to justice in civil proceedings that can have life-altering consequences.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3991