Bill > S831

This bill aims to promote homelessness prevention in Massachusetts by establishing a right to counsel for indigent individuals facing eviction proceedings under chapters 239 and 139 of the General Laws. The bill requires landlords to inform tenants of their right to counsel when issuing a notice to quit, and if the tenant is indigent, the state must appoint counsel to represent them. The bill also creates a public task force to develop an implementation plan for the right to counsel, including rules and regulations, recruitment of counsel, changes to existing laws, and cost estimates. The Committee for Public Counsel Services is directed to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations within one year of the task force's report, and the right to counsel must be fully implemented within two years of the bill's passage.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S831