DIRECTING THE DELAWARE JUDICIARY TO ESTABLISH A PILOT COURT DATE REMINDER PROGRAM AND TO STUDY AND REPORT ON THE FEASIBILITY OF EXPANDING THE PROGRAM STATEWIDE.

Text reminders for Delaware court dates

The law directs Delaware's Judiciary to create a pilot text reminder program in Justice of the Peace Court. It covers eligible people with required criminal or traffic court appearances and registered phone numbers. Enrollment is automatic, but people can opt out. At least two reminders are required: one at least 7 days before court and another 1 day before. Plain-language texts must include the court date, time, location, possible consequences of missing court, and ways to get help. DELJIS must build the program if funding is appropriated. By June 1, 2027, the Judiciary must report on whether the program can expand statewide. The study covers the Court of Common Pleas, Family Court, and Superior Court. It must estimate expansion costs and timing, and identify needed legal, procedural, form, or case-handling changes. It must estimate effects on court attendance, warrants for missed appearances, later arrests, time in jail, and case completion times. It must also examine possible savings for courts and law enforcement. The report goes to the Governor, Senate President Pro Tempore, and House Speaker, with copies to both chambers' Judiciary Committee members. Statewide expansion remains subject to funding; the law requires a study, not statewide reminders.