In a move aimed at improving efficiency and modernizing court procedures, North Carolina legislators have introduced a new bill that will have far-reaching impacts on civil practice in the state. The legislation, officially titled the Civil Practice Modernization Act of 2026, aims to streamline court processes, reduce delays, and ultimately enhance access to justice for all North Carolinians.One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of an e-filing system for all civil cases. This electronic filing system will allow parties to submit documents, pleadings, and other materials online, reducing the need for paper filings and eliminating the delays often associated with traditional filing methods. The move towards electronic filing is expected to significantly expedite the processing of cases and improve overall efficiency in the court system.Another significant change proposed by the Civil Practice Modernization Act is the implementation of mandatory alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in certain civil cases. Under the new legislation, parties involved in certain types of civil disputes will be required to participate in mediation or arbitration before taking their case to trial. This provision is intended to help parties resolve their disputes more quickly and cost-effectively, while also reducing the strain on an already-overburdened court system.Additionally, the bill includes provisions aimed at modernizing discovery procedures, including the use of electronic discovery methods and limiting the scope of discovery requests to reduce unnecessary delays and costs. The legislation also seeks to streamline the process for obtaining and enforcing judgments, making it easier for parties to collect on judgments and ensure that justice is served in a timely manner.Overall, the Civil Practice Modernization Act of 2026 represents a significant step forward for civil practice in North Carolina. By embracing modern technology, promoting alternative dispute resolution, and streamlining court procedures, the bill aims to make the civil litigation process more efficient, affordable, and accessible to all North Carolinians. As the legislation works its way through the legislative process, stakeholders in the legal community are optimistic about the positive impact it will have on the state's court system and its ability to deliver justice to those who need it most.