On February 19, 2026, New York civil practice underwent significant changes as several new laws and regulations took effect, impacting various aspects of the legal system in the state. From updates to procedural rules to new laws governing court proceedings, these changes are expected to have a lasting impact on how civil cases are handled in New York.One of the most notable changes is the implementation of new rules governing the electronic filing of court documents. Under these new rules, all court filings must now be submitted electronically, with paper filings being phased out entirely. This move is aimed at streamlining the court process, reducing delays, and improving overall efficiency.In addition to the electronic filing requirement, new laws also went into effect that aim to address issues of court congestion and backlog. One such law establishes a specialized court division dedicated to handling complex civil cases, such as those involving high-value commercial disputes or novel legal issues. By centralizing these cases in a specialized division, the hope is that they will be resolved more quickly and efficiently.Furthermore, changes were made to the rules governing discovery in civil cases. These changes include new guidelines for the exchange of electronic evidence and data, as well as limits on the scope of discovery to prevent overburdening parties with excessive requests for information.Another significant change impacting civil practice in New York is the implementation of new rules governing the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, such as mediation and arbitration. These rules encourage parties to resolve their disputes outside of court, saving time and resources for all involved.Overall, these changes represent a concerted effort by New York state lawmakers to modernize and improve the civil practice system in the state. By implementing new rules and regulations that promote efficiency, transparency, and fairness, the hope is that these changes will lead to a more effective and accessible legal system for all New Yorkers involved in civil litigation.