Bill > SB442

This bill establishes a Court Date Reminder Program, to be developed by the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia, to help criminal defendants and those with traffic infractions in general district or circuit courts remember their scheduled court appearances and related information, with the goal of reducing failures to appear. The program will send text message notifications to defendants, who can opt out, and will use alternative communication methods like phone or email if text messages are not possible. For juvenile defendants, notifications will be sent to both the juvenile and their parent or legal guardian. The program will send at least two reminders for court appearances or payment dates, one a week prior and another a day prior, and will include details such as the date, time, location, consequences of non-appearance, and online resolution options. If a defendant fails to appear or pay, they will receive a notification within two days of actions like a warrant being issued or their license being suspended. The bill also mandates that law enforcement and court staff collect telephone numbers for defendants, which will be used solely for this program, and allows individuals to update their contact information and enroll online. The Executive Secretary will collect and report data on the program's enrollment, opt-outs, and effectiveness annually. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to include a field for telephone numbers on summonses for traffic infractions, specifically for use by this new reminder program.

Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB442