Delaware Senate Passes Court Date Reminder Pilot Program

Legislation that will establish a pilot court date reminder program in the Justice of the Peace Court has passed in the State Senate. Senate Joint Resolution 13, sponsored by Senator Brian Pettyjohn, was passed with a 20 to 0 vote with 1 absent on Wednesday. This reminder program would use text message notifications to help individuals remember upcoming court appearances. It would also serve as the basis for a broader study on the feasibility of expanding the program statewide. SJR 13 now heads to the State House for consideration.

Additional information from the Senate Republican Caucus:

“Missed court appearances create unnecessary challenges for both individuals and our justice system,” said Senator Pettyjohn. “This resolution takes a practical, data-driven approach to addressing that issue by leveraging simple technology to improve communication and reduce avoidable consequences. With text reminders costing less than a penny, this is a small investment that can lead to significant savings by reducing missed court dates.”

Under the resolution, individuals with scheduled criminal and traffic cases would receive automated reminders ahead of their court dates, helping to improve appearance rates and lessen the strain on courts and law enforcement.

The Judiciary will also be required to study the potential costs, benefits, and logistics of expanding the program to other courts across Delaware, with a report due by June 1, 2027.

“I’m encouraged by the bipartisan support this measure received in the Senate,” Senator Pettyjohn added. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to see this common-sense initiative continue moving forward.”