NY A02360

Establishes a civil right to counsel for veterans at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, regardless of discharge status, covering real property proceedings (including foreclosures), sustenance cases (labor and social services matters), and family court cases involving children

Creates a judicial council composed of one administrative judge from each judicial district to select and oversee legal services agencies, with initial three-year authorization periods subject to renewal

Requires legal services agencies to serve as lead agencies for case referrals, eligibility determinations, and coordination with bar associations, pro bono attorneys, and private organizations

Sets minimum attorney compensation rates of $50 per hour for real property proceedings and $60 per hour for sustenance and children's cases, with no cap on total compensation and reimbursement for reasonable expenses

Mandates quarterly reporting to the judicial council on case outcomes and requires foreclosure notices to inform veterans they may be entitled to assigned counsel if financially unable to obtain representation