Fair Access to Legal Counsel Act of 2024

Where This Stands

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Signed

Currently IN_COMMITTEE. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

View official text →

The Frame

What this does

The bill changes the criteria and procedures for how federal judges decide to provide free legal representation to low-income litigants, potentially increasing the number of people who receive court-appointed counsel in civil rights and employment cases.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Low-income litigants

They are subject to a new formal evaluation process when requesting court-appointed counsel in federal civil cases.

Federal judges

They are required to evaluate specific factors on the record when considering requests for counsel and must manage new privacy protections for litigants.

Opposing parties in civil litigation

Their ability to challenge the appointment of counsel is restricted to procedural concerns like potential delays.

What changed

Current stage: IN_COMMITTEE.

What's next

Floor Vote.

Background

The bill amends Section 1915 of Title 28, which currently governs proceedings in federal court for individuals who cannot afford to pay court fees. context

Summary

This bill establishes a formal process for federal courts to appoint legal counsel for low-income individuals who are representing themselves in civil cases. It requires courts to evaluate specific factors—such as disability, literacy, and case complexity—when deciding whether to provide an attorney to those who cannot afford one.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this bill guarantee a lawyer for everyone in federal court?

No. It establishes a formal evaluation process for judges to decide whether to appoint counsel for low-income individuals, but it does not create an automatic right to an attorney in all civil cases.

What factors will a judge consider when deciding to appoint a lawyer?

Judges must consider factors such as the litigant's ability to investigate facts and participate in the case, the complexity of the legal issues, the need for expert testimony, whether the opposing party has a lawyer, and any barriers caused by disabilities or literacy levels.

Will my private information be shared with the other side if I apply for counsel?

The bill directs courts to take steps to protect the privacy of personal details shared during the application process, such as using sealed filings or , and specifies that opposing parties should not have access to these personal details.

Why It Matters

The bill changes the criteria and procedures for how federal judges decide to provide free legal representation to low-income litigants, potentially increasing the number of people who receive court-appointed counsel in civil rights and employment cases.

News Coverage

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Connected Entities

bill_number1915“Subsection (e) of section 1915 is amended”Map →

organizationUnited States Government Publishing Office“Source of the document”Map →

personSarbanes“Introduced the bill in the House of Representatives”Map →

bill_numberCivil Rights Act of 1964“Specifically referenced in the bill's provisions”Map →

personScanlon“Co-sponsored the bill with Sarbanes”Map →

otherUnited States Code“The bill amends this code”Map →

Analysis Score

0–100

Significance75
How much this matters to a regular citizen
Controversy40
Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
Entertainment10
Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
Buzz20
Current news / social attention level