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Relating to the creation of a court reminder program for criminal defendants.
Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB 4293, As Introduced: a negative impact of ($121,852) through the biennium ending August 31, 2023.
The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.
HB 4293 would permit the Office of Court Administration to develop a court reminder program that would allow a county to send a text message to a criminal defendant to remind them of a scheduled court appearance. The office would have to make the program available to counties at no cost. Each county would be required to establish such a program and would have the option of using the statewide program provided or developing their own. The Office of Court Administration or counties would be able to partner with municipalities for the municipality to use a court reminder program.
Texas Action is neutral on HB 4293. While providing a reminder notice to defendants may help reduce the rate of arrests made for failure to appear, defendants are responsible for appearing on their own accord and should not need reminding from the court.
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