Bill > HB2181

This bill mandates that, starting July 1, 2027, the judiciary must create and manage an automated system to send text message or email reminders for upcoming court appearances in traffic and criminal cases across district, family, and circuit courts. This system will provide details like the case number, date, time, and location of the appearance, and will include a link for virtual attendance if applicable, along with advice on preparing for court and a warning about the consequences of not appearing, such as a bench warrant for arrest. To facilitate this, law enforcement officers and citation issuers will be required to collect, whenever practical, the offender's mobile phone number and email address, and this information will be added to arrest records and citations, though it cannot be used for law enforcement purposes or shared with third parties except for reminder facilitation. Participation in this reminder system is voluntary, and individuals can opt out at any time, with their refusal to provide contact information not being held against them. The bill also appropriates funds for the development and implementation of this system and clarifies that the failure of the reminder system to send or the individual to receive a notification does not excuse them from their legal obligation to appear in court.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2181&year=2026