Bill > S1077

This bill modifies the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation's legal services framework by expanding the definition of eligible clients to include qualified small business land owners (QSBLOs), who are defined as landowners with three or fewer properties and who meet specific income or loan-to-value guidelines. The bill requires that when providing legal services in landlord-tenant disputes, if a tenant is deemed eligible for legal assistance, the landlord must also be evaluated for eligibility, and if the landlord qualifies as a QSBLO, legal services must be provided to both parties to maintain parity. The legislation mandates that at least 80% of financial assistance be distributed to local legal service programs proportionate to their eligible client population, with up to 20% allocated to statewide programs. The bill aims to ensure legal service accessibility for low-income individuals and small property owners, while maintaining professional standards and protecting the integrity of the legal process. Notably, the board of directors of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation will be responsible for establishing specific guidelines to determine QSBLO status based on income or property loan-to-value ratios.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1077