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On December 27, 2025, Maryland legislators passed a series of bills aimed at streamlining civil court processes in the state. The new legislation, which will go into effect on January 1, 2026, is designed to expedite cases and reduce backlogs in the court system.One of the key provisions of the new legislation is the implementation of mandatory mediation for all civil cases before they can proceed to trial. Under the new law, parties involved in civil disputes will be required to participate in mediation sessions in an effort to reach a resolution before taking their case to court. This is expected to help alleviate the strain on Maryland's court system and reduce the time and resources needed to resolve civil disputes.In addition to mandatory mediation, the new legislation also includes provisions for electronic filing of court documents and electronic service of process. These changes are aimed at speeding up the court process and reducing the reliance on paper documents, which can cause delays and inefficiencies in the legal system.Another significant change in the new legislation is the introduction of a pilot program for expedited civil trials. Under this program, certain civil cases will be fast-tracked through the court system, with strict deadlines set for discovery, motions, and trial dates. This is intended to ensure that cases are resolved in a timely manner and prevent unnecessary delays.Overall, the new legislation represents a significant step forward in Maryland's efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its civil court system. By implementing mandatory mediation, electronic filing, and expedited trials, the state hopes to reduce backlogs, speed up case resolution, and provide a more streamlined and accessible legal process for all Maryland residents.