In a move aimed at improving efficiency and reducing backlog in the Missouri appellate courts, a series of significant changes have been proposed to the state's appellate practice rules. The proposed amendments, announced by the Missouri Supreme Court on March 30, 2026, seek to streamline the appeals process and make it more accessible to litigants.One of the key changes included in the proposed amendments is the introduction of electronic filing for all appellate documents. This will allow parties to file their briefs, motions, and other documents electronically, saving time and reducing the need for physical copies to be submitted to the court. The move is expected to speed up the processing of cases and make it easier for parties to track the status of their appeals.Another important change is the introduction of deadlines for the submission of briefs and other documents. Under the proposed amendments, parties will be required to adhere to strict deadlines for filing their briefs, responses, and replies. This is aimed at providing certainty and clarity in the appeals process, as well as preventing unnecessary delays in the resolution of cases.Furthermore, the proposed amendments also seek to simplify the process for requesting oral argument in appellate cases. Currently, parties are required to file a separate motion to request oral argument, which can lead to additional delays in the appeals process. The proposed amendments would streamline this process by allowing parties to request oral argument in their initial briefs, without the need for a separate motion.In addition to these changes, the proposed amendments also address various other aspects of appellate practice, such as the procedures for filing petitions for transfer to the Missouri Supreme Court and the requirements for formatting appellate briefs. The goal of these changes is to make the appellate process more user-friendly and efficient for all parties involved.Overall, the proposed amendments to the Missouri appellate practice rules represent a significant step towards modernizing the state's appellate courts and ensuring timely resolution of cases. The changes are now open for public comment, with a final decision expected to be made by the Missouri Supreme Court in the coming months.