Bill > S968

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 housing-related legal proceedings. The program, to be administered by the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC), will offer full legal representation to "eligible individuals" who are either receiving public assistance or have an income at or below 80% of the area median income. MLAC will select designated nonprofit organizations to provide legal assistance, with requirements that these organizations have expertise in housing law, serve low-income communities, and can provide representation in multiple languages. The bill creates an advisory committee of fifteen members from diverse backgrounds to guide the program's implementation, which will be phased in over five years. Landlords will be required to provide tenants with a form notifying them of their potential eligibility for legal counsel when issuing an eviction notice, and the court must provide reasonable continuations to allow individuals time to obtain legal assistance. The program aims to prevent homelessness, housing instability, and the negative social and economic consequences of eviction, particularly in the context of challenges exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The general court is expected to fund the program through a dedicated budget line-item, with the provisions of the bill taking effect immediately upon passage.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S968