Creates the division of civil representation within the department of housing and require civil representation by a Designated Legal Organization to provide legal representation to all tenants who qualify in eviction proceedings.

Rhode Island Bill Summary: Residential Tenant's Right to Legal Representation Act

This bill would create a new government office called the Division of Civil Representation inside Rhode Island's Department of Housing. The main purpose of this office would be to make sure that qualifying tenants who are facing eviction in court have access to a free lawyer to represent them. Currently, many tenants facing eviction must navigate the legal process on their own, while landlords often have legal representation. This bill aims to change that by guaranteeing legal help to eligible tenants.

Under the bill, the Division would work with designated legal organizations — meaning approved law firms or legal aid groups — to actually provide the attorneys. Tenants who meet certain qualifications (likely based on income or other criteria spelled out in the full bill) would be entitled to have one of these lawyers represent them during their eviction case at no cost to them. The goal is to give lower-income or otherwise vulnerable renters a fair chance in court when they are at risk of losing their home.

This bill would primarily affect renters in Rhode Island who are facing eviction, particularly those who cannot afford their own attorney. It would also affect landlords, who would now more commonly face legally represented tenants in court. Additionally, it would impact the state government, which would need to fund and staff the new division and coordinate with legal organizations to deliver these services.

As of now, the bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee and is scheduled for a hearing in March 2026, but has been recommended to be held for further study, meaning it has not yet moved forward toward a vote.