Bill > H1952

This bill establishes a statewide Access to Counsel Program in Massachusetts to provide free legal representation to low-income tenants and owner-occupants facing housing-related legal proceedings such as evictions. The program will be administered by the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC), which will designate non-profit organizations to provide full legal representation to "eligible individuals" - defined as those receiving public assistance, earning 80% or less of the area median income, or unable to afford legal fees without sacrificing basic necessities. The bill creates a 15-member advisory committee to guide the program's implementation and requires MLAC to develop a standardized form that landlords must include with eviction notices to inform tenants of their potential eligibility for free legal counsel. The program will be phased in over five years, with designated organizations required to have expertise in housing law, serve low-income communities, provide multilingual support, and meet other criteria established by MLAC. The general court is expected to fund the program through a dedicated budget line-item, ensuring that eligible individuals can receive legal assistance to help prevent homelessness and maintain housing stability. The bill aims to level the playing field in housing legal proceedings by providing representation to those who might otherwise face these challenges without legal support.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1952