Bill > SB132

This bill amends Delaware's Residential Landlord-tenant Code by transferring administrative responsibilities for the Right to Representation program from the Attorney General to the State Court Administrator. The bill updates several key definitions, including adding a new definition for "Legal Aid Agencies" that specifically names Delaware Volunteer Legal Services (DVLS), Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI), and Legal Services Corporation of Delaware (LSCD). It modifies the duties of the Right to Representation Coordinator to include coordinating, overseeing, and organizing outreach and education events, and shifts the funding mechanism so that the State Court Administrator will provide designated appropriations to Legal Aid Agencies to support legal representation for tenants in covered proceedings. The bill also extends the implementation timeline for the program to June 30, 2028, contingent on sufficient funding. Additionally, it maintains requirements for annual reporting, which includes detailed metrics about legal representation, tenant services, and court experiences, and mandates that the annual report be published on the State Court Administrator's website. These changes aim to clarify the program's administrative structure and ensure continued support for tenant legal representation in eviction and housing-related proceedings.

Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142240