MA H1952

Establishes a statewide Access to Counsel Program administered by the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation to provide free legal representation to indigent tenants and owner-occupants of 1-to-3-family homes facing eviction proceedings

Defines eligible individuals as those receiving public assistance, earning 80% or less of area median income, or unable to pay legal fees without depriving themselves of necessities

Requires the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation to designate nonprofit organizations through a public RFP process to provide legal services, with tenant rights information made available in multiple languages

Creates a 15-member advisory committee including low-income tenants, owner-occupants, community organizations, and municipal officials to guide program implementation over a 5-year phase-in period

Mandates landlords attach a court-approved form to notices to quit and summons informing tenants of their potential eligibility for free legal counsel, with proceedings continued if the form was not provided or counsel needs time to prepare