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In an effort to address the backlog of civil cases in Colorado's court system, the Colorado Supreme Court has announced new rules aimed at expediting the resolution of civil disputes. The changes, which went into effect on April 17, 2026, are set to have a significant impact on the way civil cases are handled in the state.One of the key changes is the implementation of mandatory pre-trial conferences for all civil cases. These conferences will provide an opportunity for parties to discuss settlement options and potentially resolve their disputes without the need for a trial. Additionally, judges will have the authority to issue scheduling orders at these conferences, setting deadlines for discovery, motions, and trial dates.Another important change is the introduction of streamlined procedures for handling discovery. Under the new rules, parties will be required to provide initial disclosures of key documents and information at the outset of the case, which is expected to reduce the time and cost associated with discovery. Additionally, judges will have the authority to limit the scope of discovery to ensure that it is proportional to the needs of the case.The Colorado Supreme Court has also established a pilot program for expedited civil jury trials. Under this program, cases will be selected based on their complexity and the willingness of the parties to expedite the trial process. The goal of the program is to provide parties with a faster and more cost-effective way to resolve their disputes through a jury trial.Overall, these new rules are designed to promote efficiency and reduce delays in the resolution of civil cases in Colorado. The Colorado Supreme Court hopes that these changes will help alleviate the backlog of cases in the court system and provide parties with a more timely and effective means of resolving their disputes.