Eviction Right to Counsel Act of 2025
Summary
The Eviction Right to Counsel Act of 2025 aims to provide grants to state and local governments that enact or implement right to counsel legislation for low-income tenants facing eviction. The bill establishes an Eviction Right to Counsel Fund within the Treasury, authorizing $100 million annually from 2026 to 2030. These funds will support eligible entities in providing legal representation to covered individuals in eviction proceedings.
Expected Effects
The act will likely increase access to legal representation for low-income tenants facing eviction. This could lead to fewer unjust evictions and more equitable outcomes in housing disputes. It may also incentivize states and localities to enact right to counsel legislation.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to legal representation for low-income tenants.
- Reduced instances of unjust evictions.
- More equitable outcomes in housing disputes.
- Potential stabilization of housing for vulnerable populations.
- Incentivizes states and localities to prioritize right to counsel legislation.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential strain on state and local government budgets if demand for legal services exceeds grant funding.
- Possible delays in eviction proceedings due to increased legal representation.
- The $100 million annual funding may be insufficient to meet the needs of all eligible entities.
- Increased administrative burden for the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in managing the grant program.
- Potential for inconsistent implementation of right to counsel legislation across different jurisdictions.
Constitutional Alignment
The Eviction Right to Counsel Act aligns with the Constitution by promoting the general welfare (Preamble) and ensuring justice within the legal system. While the Constitution does not explicitly guarantee a right to counsel in civil cases, this act aims to address imbalances in legal representation that can disproportionately affect low-income individuals. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional provision.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).