The bill, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 6939, aims to authorize state funding for the Right to Counsel Program, which provides legal representation at no cost to covered individuals in housing-related matters. The current law's subsection (b) of section 47a-75 is repealed and replaced with new provisions that allow the Judicial Branch to utilize available federal or state funds to contract with an administering entity for the program's management. This administering entity is responsible for funding legal representation through designated organizations, which may also subcontract with nonprofit or community organizations to enhance tenant outreach and education.
The designated organizations must meet specific criteria, including expertise in housing and landlord-tenant law, a history of serving low-income communities, and plans to assist income-eligible individuals with limited English proficiency. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and emphasizes the importance of providing legal support to vulnerable populations in housing disputes.