Washington state lawmakers push to provide lawyers for residents facing eviction
A bill up for final approval by the Washington state Senate aims to provide attorneys for some low-income residents facing eviction, which would make it the first state to enact such a measure.
The bill, a draft of which was initially passed in the state Senate and was approved with amendments by the House on Thursday, would provide lawyers for tenants who meet certain qualifying conditions.
Those eligible to receive legal representation from the state include residents receiving certain public assistance, individuals who have been committed to a mental health facility, those who can't afford an attorney or those who have incomes at 125 percent or below the federal poverty level, according to The Seattle Times.
Jim Bamberger, director of the state's Office of Civil Legal Aid, praised the legislation, telling the Times that it "is a powerful statement on the part of the legislature in terms of balancing power in the justice system between tenants and landlords."
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/washington-state-lawmakers-push-to-provide-lawyers-for-residents-facing-eviction/ar-BB1fvU3M?ocid=DELLDHP&li=BBnb7Kz