HB20-1123: Grace Period Before Failure To Appear Warrant

• Courts must wait at least 72 hours after a missed court appearance before issuing a failure to appear warrant, excluding days when the court is not in session.

• If a defendant presents to court within the 72-hour grace period, the court shall not issue a warrant.

• Courts retain discretion to determine whether defendants must appear in person or may present through counsel, phone call, or other means to reschedule.

• If a defendant or their counsel contacts the court during the 72-hour period, the court must inform them that no warrant will issue if the defendant voluntarily presents within 72 hours.

• The act takes effect August 5, 2020, unless a referendum petition is filed, in which case it requires voter approval at the November 2020 general election.