SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State lawmakers are discussing a bill to help more people show up for court hearings.

The measure would require circuit court clerks to send two reminder text messages to people on pretrial release before their required court dates. It also states that clerks must keep a copy of the message and a delivery receipt within their records.

Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) said academic research shows a simple text can significantly reduce "no shows" in court.

"Well over 80% of the systems in the state are already doing this," Cassidy said Wednesday. "We just want to make sure it's being done in a way that it can be tracked in a consistent fashion."

The Illinois Association of Court Clerks opposes the plan, but the organization has told Cassidy they are willing to work on amended language.

This bill passed out of the House Judiciary Criminal Committee on a partisan 8-5 vote Wednesday night. It now moves to the House floor for further consideration. 

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