HB 4428

Amends the Clerks of Courts Act. Makes legislative findings. Creates the court reminder program. Requires that the circuit clerk provide a defendant with notice by text message of all court hearings to defendants who have been charged with a violation of the Criminal Code of 2012 or the Illinois Vehicle Code as follows: provide at least 2 text notices before each court appearance with one notice the day before the required court appearance; maintain a copy of the content and a delivery receipt as part of the records of the clerk's office; and for court appearances that can be attended virtually, provide the link to the virtual court appearance in at least the final reminder sent before the appearance. Makes the Act inapplicable if a circuit clerk does not have the needed information from a defendant to send a text message notification. Requires that the circuit clerk must take all reasonable actions to get the needed information to provide reminders and to coordinate with law enforcement and the courts in that effort. Allows the circuit clerk to use an existing electronic notice provisions developed under the Clerks of the Courts Act or developed under Supreme Court Rule as long as those programs comply with the new requirements of the amendatory Act. Authorizes the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts to adopt rules to further implement the Act.