Cal. Civ. Code § 8-908
Md. Code Ann., Real Property Art. Title 8 — Landlord and Tenant
Operative Text
(a) There is an Access to Counsel in Evictions Task Force. (b) (1) The Task Force consists of up to 15 members appointed by the Secretary of Housing and Community Development and shall include: (i) At least two representatives of the Maryland State Bar Association; (ii) At least two representatives of tenant advocacy groups or designated organizations; (iii) At least two representatives of the Judiciary; (iv) At least two representatives of community groups; (v) At least two representatives of landlords; (vi) Representatives of MLSC; and (vii) Tenants and other interested citizens. (2) At least three members of the Task Force must be tenants whose income does not exceed 50% of the State median income adjusted for household size. (c) The Secretary of Housing and Community Development shall designate the chair of the Task Force. (d) The Department of Housing and Community Development shall provide staff for the Task Force. (e) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a member of the Task Force: (i) May not receive compensation as a member of the Task Force; but (ii) Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget. (2) A member of the Task Force described under subsection (b)(2) of this section may receive reasonable compensation, including a stipend, as determined by the Secretary of Housing and Community Development. (f) The Task Force shall: (1) Evaluate the provision of services under this subtitle, including the performance of designated organizations and community groups; (2) Study potential funding sources; and (3) Make recommendations to improve the implementation of this subtitle, including necessary policy and statutory changes. (g) On or before January 1, 2026, the Task Force shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly. (h) The Task Force may apply for grants from public and private entities to carry out the duties of the Task Force.
Maryland Code § 8-908 establishes the Access to Counsel in Evictions Task Force, a body created to evaluate how legal services are being delivered to tenants facing eviction under this subtitle. The Task Force is composed of up to 15 members drawn from a range of stakeholders—including tenant advocates, landlords, bar association representatives, and low-income tenants—appointed by the Secretary of Housing and Community Development. Its core responsibilities include assessing program performance, identifying funding sources, and submitting findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by January 1, 2026.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 8-908, landlord representatives are among the stakeholders included in the Task Force's membership, giving the rental housing industry a formal voice in shaping how access-to-counsel services are evaluated and improved. Operators who engage with tenant legal aid programs or designated organizations may find that the Task Force's eventual recommendations influence how those programs are structured or funded. Staying informed about the Task Force's findings and any resulting statutory or policy changes is a common practice for landlords operating in Maryland's eviction landscape.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 8-908 creates a Task Force specifically designed to examine whether tenants are receiving adequate legal representation in eviction proceedings, and at least three of its members must be tenants with incomes at or below 50% of the State median income. This provision signals a legislative commitment to improving access to counsel for lower-income renters across Maryland. Tenants interested in how these services are developed or who want to understand their rights under this subtitle may find it useful to connect with tenant advocacy organizations or Maryland Legal Services Corporation (MLSC), both of which are represented on the Task Force.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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