SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State representatives passed a bill Sunday to ensure people receive reminder notifications before court hearings.

This bill requires pretrial service agencies to send three reminder text messages to people on pretrial release before their court dates. It also states pretrial service agencies must keep a copy of the message and a delivery receipt with their records.

Sponsors said research shows texts are very effective in helping people make their court dates.

"It will allow Cook County time to have their IT catch up," said Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago). "Pretty much every county in the state is doing something towards this. Our goal here has always been to get some uniformity in place."

Counties without this technology will receive funding from the state to implement the text service.

This plan passed unanimously out of both chambers. House Bill 4428 now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk. 

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