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SB 729

Real Property - Access to Counsel in Evictions Program - Expansion

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shaneka Henson

Maryland bill creates right-to-counsel program providing free legal representation to low-income tenants and mobile home park residents in eviction cases.

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Bill Summary · SB 729

Legislative bill overview

SB 729 establishes a program providing legal counsel to tenants facing eviction and residents in mobile home parks who cannot afford attorneys. The bill aims to ensure vulnerable renters have professional legal representation during eviction proceedings, which historically result in disproportionate losses for unrepresented defendants.

Why is this important

Eviction cases are heavily weighted toward landlords, with represented tenants achieving significantly better outcomes than unrepresented ones. Access to counsel can mean the difference between maintaining housing stability and homelessness. Mobile home park residents face particular vulnerability due to limited tenant protections and unique lease dynamics that require specialized legal knowledge.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism and costs: The bill's financial sustainability is unclear—establishing statewide counsel access requires substantial ongoing appropriations that may face budget constraints or tax implications
  • Landlord concerns: Property owners argue that expanded tenant legal representation increases eviction litigation costs and delays, potentially impacting small landlords or those managing properties as retirement income
  • Program scope and eligibility: Disagreement may arise over income thresholds for eligibility, whether coverage extends to all eviction types, and whether mobile home park residents receive comparable protections to traditional renters

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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