The bill H.B. No. 2025-2026, introduced by Representative Williams, aims to establish a new section, 2709.01, in the Revised Code that mandates courts to implement an electronic notification system for reminding defendants in criminal and traffic cases about their scheduled court appearances. The administrative director of the supreme court is tasked with developing and making available a court reminder program that allows clerks of courts across municipal, county, and common pleas courts to send text or email notifications. The program is designed to reduce costs associated with missed court appearances, improve court efficiency, and decrease the number of defendants confined in jail due to failure to appear.

The bill outlines specific requirements for the reminder program, including compliance with consent laws, sending multiple reminders before court dates, and providing information in plain language. Courts are also required to document reminders sent, confirm contact information, and identify defendants without access to electronic communication. Additionally, the bill appropriates $6 million for the implementation of the Automated Court Appearance Reminder Program, with $1 million allocated for the following fiscal year. This funding is intended to support the establishment and operation of the reminder system as described in the new section of the Revised Code.