Senate approves pilot to send text reminders for court dates to reduce missed appearances

The Delaware Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 13 on April 15 to ask the state judiciary to pilot an automated text-message reminder program for justice-of-the-peace criminal and traffic court dates.

Sponsor Senator Patty John told colleagues that automated reminders are a common, low-cost tool that can reduce missed court appearances and consequent warrants or arrests; he cited research suggesting reminders can reduce missed appearances by as much as 53 percent. The resolution directs the judiciary to implement a pilot, enroll people with phone numbers on file (with an opt-out), and report on costs and outcomes.

Alyssa Hinkke, who identified herself as "the legislative and communications director at DelJES," answered senators’ questions about whether the reminders require reply (they do not under current plans), how contact information and follow-up will be handled, and the technical approach (leasing an SMS short code dedicated to the program). A senator raised security concerns about spoofed texts and urged follow-up with IT staff; Hinkke said she would provide further technical information.

On roll call the resolution passed 20 yes and 1 absent. The resolution requires the judiciary to report back on feasibility and results before any expansion to other courts.