The bill H.B. No. 2025-2026, introduced by Representative Williams, aims to establish a court reminder program under section 2709.01 of the Revised Code. This program mandates that the administrative director of the supreme court develop and require all clerks of municipal, county, and common pleas courts to implement a system that sends electronic notifications, such as text messages or emails, to defendants in criminal and traffic cases regarding their scheduled court appearances. 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, providing multiple reminders, and offering information on virtual court appearances.

Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation of $6 million for the implementation of the automated court appearance reminder program, with $1 million allocated for the fiscal year 2027. Courts are required to establish procedures for confirming contact information, document reminder occurrences, and collect data on defendants' participation in the program. The collected data will be transmitted to the administrative director of the supreme court for publication, ensuring transparency and accountability in the program's effectiveness.