Summary as Introduced
Amends the Clerks of Courts Act. Makes legislative findings. Creates the court reminder program. Requires that the circuit clerk provide a defendant with notice by text message of all court hearings to defendants who have been charged with a violation of the Criminal Code of 2012 or the Illinois Vehicle Code as follows: provide at least 2 text notices before each court appearance with one notice the day before the required court appearance; maintain a copy of the content and a delivery receipt as part of the records of the clerk's office; and for court appearances that can be attended virtually, provide the link to the virtual court appearance in at least the final reminder sent before the appearance. Makes the Act inapplicable if a circuit clerk does not have the needed information from a defendant to send a text message notification. Requires that the circuit clerk must take all reasonable actions to get the needed information to provide reminders and to coordinate with law enforcement and the courts in that effort. Allows the circuit clerk to use an existing electronic notice provisions developed under the Clerks of the Courts Act or developed under Supreme Court Rule as long as those programs comply with the new requirements of the amendatory Act. Authorizes the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts to adopt rules to further implement the Act.
Staff Analysis
Introduced Bill
Amends the Clerks of Courts Act. Makes legislative findings. Creates the court reminder program. Requires that the circuit clerk provide a defendant with notice by text message of all court hearings to defendants who have been charged with a violation of the Criminal Code of 2012 or the Illinois Vehicle Code as follows: provide at least 2 text notices before each court appearance with one notice the day before the required court appearance; maintain a copy of the content and a delivery receipt as part of the records of the clerk's office; and for court appearances that can be attended virtually, provide the link to the virtual court appearance in at least the final reminder sent before the appearance. Makes the Act inapplicable if a circuit clerk does not have the needed information from a defendant to send a text message notification. Requires that the circuit clerk must take all reasonable actions to get the needed information to provide reminders and to coordinate with law enforcement and the courts in that effort. Allows the circuit clerk to use an existing electronic notice provisions developed under the Clerks of the Courts Act or developed under Supreme Court Rule as long as those programs comply with the new requirements of the amendatory Act. Authorizes the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts to adopt rules to further implement the Act.
Senate Floor Amendment 1
The amendment to the Pretrial Services Act expands the responsibilities and authority of pretrial services agencies in supervising individuals released pending trial. It authorizes agencies to require supervised persons to periodically report by mail, telephone, or in person to verify compliance with court-ordered release conditions. The legislation also establishes statewide court appearance notification requirements, mandating that agencies send at least three text message reminders before each scheduled court appearance, including one reminder the day before court, and at least one follow-up text if a defendant misses a required appearance. Agencies must retain copies of message content and delivery receipts as part of their records, although these requirements do not apply when a defendant has not provided the necessary contact information or has opted out of receiving text notifications. In addition, the Office of Statewide Pretrial Services is directed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of court date notification systems used throughout Illinois circuit courts, including a review of current practices, existing research on effective notification methods and messaging strategies, and the feasibility of broader implementation. The Office must submit its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly, Governor, and Illinois Supreme Court by December 31, 2026, to help inform potential legislative changes in 2027. Effective immediately.