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Easier access to legal counsel for low-income individuals in federal courts.

This act aims to make it easier for individuals who cannot afford a lawyer to access free legal assistance in federal courts. Courts will be required to inform people of this option and consider various factors, including health status or education level, when deciding whether to appoint counsel. This is intended to help citizens in cases involving basic life needs and civil rights.
Key points
Federal courts must inform unrepresented individuals about the possibility of obtaining free legal counsel.
Courts will consider individual circumstances, such as disabilities, education level, or language barriers, when deciding on counsel appointment.
The act seeks to increase the chances of fair case resolution for low-income litigants, especially in matters of health, employment, or housing.
Courts cannot deny a request for counsel simply because preliminary motions in the case have not yet been ruled upon.
The act mandates data collection on the effectiveness and impact of these changes on federal court operations.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_10403
Sponsor: Rep. Sarbanes, John P. [D-MD-3]
Process start date: 2024-12-12
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Fair Access to Legal Counsel Act of 2024

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_10403.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2024-12-12.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Federal courts must inform unrepresented individuals about the possibility of obtaining free legal counsel.
  • Courts will consider individual circumstances, such as disabilities, education level, or language barriers, when deciding on counsel appointment.
  • The act seeks to increase the chances of fair case resolution for low-income litigants, especially in matters of health, employment, or housing.
  • Courts cannot deny a request for counsel simply because preliminary motions in the case have not yet been ruled upon.
  • The act mandates data collection on the effectiveness and impact of these changes on federal court operations.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Sarbanes, John P. [D-MD-3].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-24.

CATEGORIES

Courts and Law Benefits