On February 14, 2026, Maryland civil practice courts announced new measures aimed at expediting civil cases in response to the backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. With hundreds of cases pending due to court closures and delays throughout the past two years, the Maryland Judiciary is taking steps to ensure that litigants have their day in court without further delay.One of the main changes implemented by the courts is the expansion of virtual hearings for civil cases. While virtual hearings were already in use for some proceedings, the judiciary has now mandated that all non-trial civil hearings be conducted remotely whenever possible. This move is intended to ease the burden on courtrooms and allow for a more efficient resolution of cases.In addition to virtual hearings, the Maryland Judiciary has also increased the number of judges available to hear civil cases. This will help to reduce the backlog by allowing more cases to be heard in a timelier manner. The courts have also streamlined the scheduling process for civil cases, making it easier for parties to set hearing dates and move their cases forward.Furthermore, the judiciary has announced the implementation of a new case management system designed to track the progress of civil cases from filing to resolution. This system will help identify bottlenecks in the process and allow for more targeted interventions to keep cases moving through the system.Maryland Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera stated, "The backlog of civil cases in our courts is a top priority, and we are committed to finding innovative solutions to address this issue. By implementing these new measures, we hope to provide timely access to justice for all litigants in Maryland."Overall, these new rules and initiatives are expected to significantly reduce the backlog of civil cases in Maryland courts and ensure that litigants receive timely resolutions to their disputes. As the judiciary continues to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic, these measures will help to modernize and improve the efficiency of the civil practice system in the state.