Eviction Right to Counsel Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12]
Introduced
Summary
Creates federal grants to fund free legal representation for low-income tenants facing eviction. The Eviction Right to Counsel Act of 2025 would set beneficiary eligibility at 200 percent of the federal poverty line and authorize $100 million a year from 2026 through 2030 to make grants to states, localities, and Indian Tribal governments.
Show full summary
- Families and low-income tenants: Covered individuals are tenants with income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line. They would be eligible for full legal representation at no cost in eviction cases and in proceedings that terminate a housing subsidy.
- State, local, and Indian Tribal governments: Eligible entities could apply for grants only if they enact right to counsel laws or are fiscally responsible for implementing them. The Department of Housing and Urban Development would prioritize funding for places that require 30-day notices, limit no-fault evictions, run eviction diversion programs, or provide emergency rental assistance.
- Legal services and attorneys: Grant funds may cover costs tied to implementing right to counsel laws, including training and recruiting attorneys to expand representation capacity.
*Would authorize $100 million a year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, increasing federal spending by that amount if enacted.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Free lawyers for renters facing eviction
This bill would help low-income renters get a free lawyer in eviction or housing-subsidy cases for their primary home. You would qualify if your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. HUD would run grants to states, localities, and Tribes that pass or fund right-to-counsel laws. Congress would authorize $100 million each year from 2026 through 2030 to pay for this. Priority could go to places with at least 30 days’ notice, good-cause limits, diversion programs, or emergency rent help. Funds could also support recruiting and training more tenant lawyers.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12]
PA • D
Cosponsors
Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]
NJ • D
Sponsored 7/25/2025
Johnson (GA)
GA • D
Sponsored 7/25/2025
Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12]
MI • D
Sponsored 7/25/2025
Jackson (IL)
IL • D
Sponsored 7/25/2025
Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3]
IL • D
Sponsored 7/25/2025
Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]
WA • D
Sponsored 7/25/2025
Simon
CA • D
Sponsored 7/25/2025
Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3]
AZ • D
Sponsored 8/5/2025
Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
NJ • D
Sponsored 8/8/2025
Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3]
PA • D
Sponsored 8/22/2025
Carson
IN • D
Sponsored 9/11/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov