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In a move aimed at streamlining the state's civil court system, the Missouri Legislature has passed a comprehensive civil practice reform bill on November 23, 2025. The bill, which has been in the works for months, is designed to expedite the resolution of civil cases and reduce the burden on the courts.One of the key provisions of the bill is the implementation of mandatory mediation for certain types of civil cases. Under the new law, parties involved in personal injury, contract disputes, and other civil cases will be required to participate in mediation before proceeding to trial. This is expected to help parties reach settlements more quickly and efficiently, avoiding the time and expense of a lengthy court battle.Another major change brought about by the reform bill is the establishment of a strict timeline for civil cases to be resolved. Judges will now be required to set deadlines for each phase of a case, from filing to trial, in order to ensure that cases do not languish in the system for years on end. This is intended to speed up the resolution of civil disputes and promote efficiency in the court system.Furthermore, the bill includes provisions aimed at reducing the number of frivolous lawsuits clogging up the court system. Plaintiffs who file lawsuits deemed to be without merit may now face sanctions, including having to pay the defendant's legal fees. This is aimed at deterring frivolous litigation and promoting fairness in the civil justice system.The passage of the civil practice reform bill has been hailed by lawmakers as a major step forward for the state's civil court system. Supporters of the bill argue that it will help to alleviate the backlog of cases in Missouri's courts and ensure that justice is served in a timely manner. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the impact of mandatory mediation on the rights of parties to access the court system.Overall, the passage of the civil practice reform bill represents a significant change for the Missouri civil justice system. With its emphasis on efficiency, fairness, and timely resolution of disputes, the new law is expected to have a lasting impact on civil practice in the state for years to come.