On July 7, 2025, the Indiana Legislature announced the passage of a new civil practice reform bill aimed at streamlining court procedures and improving access to justice for residents across the state. The bill, known as HB 1250, has been several months in the making and represents a significant overhaul of Indiana's civil practice rules.One of the key provisions of the new bill is the implementation of electronic filing for all civil cases in Indiana. This move is expected to greatly reduce the paperwork burden on both litigants and court personnel, as well as expedite the processing of cases through the system. Additionally, the use of electronic filing is anticipated to improve the overall efficiency of the court system, leading to quicker resolutions for those involved in civil disputes.Another major change brought about by HB 1250 is the introduction of mandatory mediation for certain civil cases. Under the new law, parties involved in certain types of civil disputes will be required to attempt mediation before proceeding to trial. This provision is intended to encourage parties to seek mediated resolutions to their conflicts, which often prove to be more cost-effective and satisfactory than adversarial court battles.In addition to these reforms, HB 1250 also includes measures to simplify and standardize court forms, update rules regarding service of process, and clarify procedures for appealing civil judgments. The Indiana Legislature hopes that these changes will make the civil justice system more accessible and user-friendly for all residents of the state.The passage of HB 1250 represents a significant step forward for civil practice in Indiana. By modernizing court procedures and encouraging alternative dispute resolution methods, the new law is poised to bring about positive changes in the state's legal system. As the provisions of HB 1250 go into effect in the coming months, Indiana residents can look forward to a more efficient and effective civil justice system.