On February 19, 2026, Ohio civil practice saw significant developments as state legislators introduced a new bill aimed at streamlining court procedures and improving efficiency in the legal system. The legislation, known as the Civil Procedure Reform Act, seeks to address various issues that have long plagued the civil courts in Ohio.One of the key provisions of the bill is the implementation of mandatory arbitration for certain types of civil cases. Under the proposed law, parties involved in disputes with claims valued at $50,000 or less would be required to go through arbitration before proceeding to trial. Supporters of the bill argue that this measure would help to alleviate the burden on the courts and expedite the resolution of smaller civil cases.In addition to the arbitration provision, the Civil Procedure Reform Act also includes measures aimed at reducing the backlog of cases in Ohio courts. The bill calls for the establishment of a new case management system that would prioritize cases based on their complexity and urgency. This would allow for more efficient allocation of judicial resources and ensure that cases are resolved in a timely manner.Furthermore, the legislation seeks to modernize the Ohio civil practice rules by introducing electronic filing and service of court documents. This move is intended to streamline the litigation process and reduce the reliance on paper-based procedures, thus making it easier for parties to access and share information during the course of a civil case.Overall, the Civil Procedure Reform Act represents a significant step forward in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Ohio's civil courts. If passed, the bill has the potential to bring about positive changes that would benefit both litigants and the legal system as a whole. Stay tuned for updates as the legislation makes its way through the Ohio legislature.