HB 6531 Summary

• Establishes a statewide right to counsel program effective July 1, 2021, providing free legal representation to income-eligible tenants in eviction proceedings and housing subsidy termination cases through designated nonprofit legal services organizations.

• Requires landlords, housing authorities, and subsidy program administrators to attach a notice of right to counsel rights to eviction notices, summons and complaints, and lease termination notices beginning October 1, 2021.

• Creates a working group chaired by the Commissioner of Housing with members appointed by legislative leadership and representatives from the Judicial Branch and administering entity to advise on program policies and implementation.

• Modifies inland wetlands permit validity rules, requiring permits issued for property needing zoning or subdivision approval to remain valid until the other approval expires or for 10 years, whichever is earlier, and permits for other activities to be valid 2-5 years with renewal allowed.

• Extends expiration periods for site plan approvals, subdivisions, and special permits issued between July 1, 2011 and March 10, 2020 to 14-19 years from approval date, with provisions allowing commissions to grant extensions up to a maximum of 19 years total.