The bill establishes an opt-out electronic court notification system to be implemented by the state court administrator by July 1, 2027. This system is designed to inform enrolled individuals—such as those receiving citations, victims, witnesses, and attorneys—through text-based notifications regarding public case proceedings and events. Notifications will include reminders about court appearances, dates, times, locations, and information about fees due and payment methods. The system will also ensure that nonpublic information remains confidential and will limit participation to enrolled individuals only.
Additionally, the bill mandates that the electronic court notification system must provide a straightforward option for individuals to opt out of receiving notifications. The system may be operated either by the Iowa judicial branch or through a contract with a qualified third-party entity that meets the specified requirements. This initiative aims to enhance communication within the criminal justice system while safeguarding sensitive information.