On February 19, 2026, several significant updates were made to Missouri civil practice laws, affecting various aspects of the legal process in the state. These changes are aimed at improving efficiency, fairness, and accessibility within the civil justice system.One of the key updates pertains to the rules governing discovery in civil cases. Under the new guidelines, parties are required to meet and confer early in the litigation process to discuss the scope and timing of discovery. This is intended to streamline the discovery process, reduce unnecessary delays, and promote quicker resolution of cases.Additionally, the Missouri Supreme Court issued a ruling on class action lawsuits, clarifying the requirements for certification of a class. The Court outlined specific criteria that must be met in order for a case to proceed as a class action, including commonality among class members and adequacy of representation.In another notable development, the Missouri legislature passed a bill aimed at addressing issues of forum shopping in civil cases. The new law restricts the ability of plaintiffs to choose a specific jurisdiction based solely on the likelihood of a favorable outcome, leveling the playing field for all parties involved.Furthermore, changes were made to the rules governing electronic filing and service of court documents. With the growing prevalence of digital communication, these updates are aimed at modernizing and streamlining the legal process, making it easier for parties to file and receive important documents in a timely manner.Overall, these updates represent a concerted effort to improve the civil justice system in Missouri, making it more efficient, fair, and accessible for all parties involved. By implementing these changes, the state is taking proactive steps towards ensuring a more effective and streamlined legal process for its residents.