(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. (b) “Community group” means a nonprofit entity with the capacity to conduct tenant outreach and provide engagement, education, and information. (c) “Covered individual” means an individual who: (1) Occupies a residential property under a claim of legal right other than owner, including a tenant in a building owned, […]
A covered individual shall have access to legal representation as provided under this subtitle.
(a) There is an Access to Counsel in Evictions Program administered by MLSC. (b) The purpose of the Program is to organize and direct services and resources in order to provide all covered individuals in the State with access to legal representation as required under this subtitle.
(a) Under the Program, MLSC shall provide for access to legal representation by a covered individual for a judicial or administrative proceeding to evict or terminate the tenancy or housing subsidy of a covered individual, including the first appeal of a decision in the proceeding if the designated organization determines that there are sufficient legal grounds […]
(a) MLSC shall develop an informational pamphlet in both English and other languages MLSC determines appropriate: (1) Describing the legal rights of tenants and the access to counsel established under this subtitle; and (2) Providing information on resources available to tenants. (b) A sheriff or constable shall provide a copy of the pamphlet described under subsection (a) of this […]
MLSC shall designate and contract with appropriate community groups to conduct outreach and provide education to tenants locally and throughout the State regarding tenants’ rights and the access to legal representation under this subtitle.
On or before August 31 each year, MLSC shall report to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly: (1) The number of covered individuals provided legal representation during the previous calendar year; (2) Information on and metrics evaluating case outcomes; and (3) A summary of the engagement and education […]
(a) There is an Access to Counsel in Evictions Task Force. (b) (1) The Task Force consists of up to 15 members appointed by the Office of the Attorney General and shall include: (i) At least two representatives of the Maryland State Bar Association; (ii) At least two representatives of tenant advocacy groups or designated organizations; (iii) At least two representatives […]
(a) There is an Access to Counsel in Evictions Special Fund. (b) The purpose of the Fund is to provide funding to fully implement access to legal representation in evictions and other related proceedings in the State. (c) MLSC shall administer the Fund. (d) (1) The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of […]
(a) Legal representation as required under this subtitle shall be phased in over time in a manner that MLSC determines appropriate with the goal of full implementation before October 1, 2025. (b) Priority in funding during the phase–in period will be given to tenants in a local jurisdiction that provides or agrees to provide significant additional local […]
(a) A local jurisdiction may enact a local law providing for legal representation in eviction proceedings filed in the local jurisdiction. (b) If a local jurisdiction enacts a local law under subsection (a) of this section providing for legal representation in eviction proceedings substantially similar to that described in this subtitle, MLSC shall direct funding that would […]
