Senate Bill 2099 aims to establish a statewide Court Appearance Reminder Program in Tennessee to reduce missed court appearances and improve the efficiency of the judicial system. The bill mandates the administrative office of the courts to develop and administer an automated reminder system that notifies defendants of their scheduled court appearances via text message, email, or mail. The program will automatically enroll defendants who provide their contact information at no cost, ensuring they receive multiple reminders before their court dates, including essential details such as the date, time, location, and consequences of nonappearance.

The bill also includes provisions for data collection to evaluate the program's effectiveness, ensuring that defendants' contact information is used solely for court notifications and not for any unrelated purposes. Additionally, it allows courts with existing reminder systems to continue using them if they meet the new requirements. The program is designed to alleviate logistical barriers that lead to missed appearances, ultimately conserving judicial and law enforcement resources while supporting the fair operation of Tennessee's courts. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.