SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law Friday to ensure people receive reminder notifications before court hearings. 

The new law 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 keep 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 state funding to implement the text service. 

This law gained unanimous support in both chambers and took effect immediately. 

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.