In a move aimed at streamlining the state's civil justice system, South Carolina lawmakers have introduced a bill that proposes significant changes to civil practice procedures. The proposed reforms, outlined in the bill titled the Civil Practice Modernization Act of 2026, aim to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase access to justice for all residents of the state.One of the key provisions of the bill is the implementation of electronic filing for all civil cases. This would allow for quicker and more efficient processing of legal documents, reducing the time and resources required for paper-based filings. Additionally, the bill seeks to establish a statewide electronic case management system to centralize and streamline case information, making it easier for parties to access and track their cases.Another important aspect of the proposed reforms is the introduction of mandatory mediation for certain types of civil disputes. Under the bill, parties involved in civil cases would be required to participate in mediation before proceeding to trial, with the aim of reaching a settlement outside of court. This measure is designed to reduce the burden on the judicial system and provide parties with a cost-effective and timely alternative to resolving their disputes.Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to expedite the resolution of civil cases through the implementation of stricter deadlines for discovery and motion practice. This would help to prevent delays in the legal process and ensure that cases are resolved in a more timely manner. Additionally, the bill proposes the establishment of specialized civil courts to handle specific types of cases, such as commercial disputes or medical malpractice claims, in order to provide parties with more specialized and efficient legal proceedings.Overall, the Civil Practice Modernization Act of 2026 represents a significant step towards improving the civil justice system in South Carolina. If passed, the bill is expected to result in a more efficient, accessible, and cost-effective legal process for all residents of the state. Lawmakers are hopeful that these reforms will help to modernize the state's civil practice procedures and ensure that justice is served in a timely and effective manner.