On February 21, 2026, the South Dakota legislature introduced a new bill aimed at improving and streamlining civil court processes in the state. The bill, known as the Civil Practice Reform Act, seeks to address numerous issues that have plagued the state's court system for years.One of the key provisions of the Civil Practice Reform Act is the implementation of e-filing for all civil cases. This new system will allow for quicker and more efficient filing of court documents, reducing the amount of time and resources spent on processing paperwork. Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve access to and transparency of court records, making it easier for members of the public to track the progress of their cases.The bill also seeks to address issues related to court congestion by increasing the number of judges and court staff in high-volume areas. This move is expected to reduce delays in court proceedings and ensure that cases are resolved in a timely manner. In addition, the Civil Practice Reform Act includes provisions for alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and arbitration, to help alleviate the burden on the court system.Furthermore, the bill includes measures to improve the enforcement of court orders, such as streamlining the process for collecting judgments and sanctions against parties who fail to comply with court orders. These changes are aimed at increasing compliance with court decisions and ensuring that justice is served in a timely manner.Overall, the Civil Practice Reform Act is seen as a much-needed step towards modernizing and improving the efficiency of the South Dakota court system. If passed, the bill is expected to have a positive impact on the state's legal landscape and help ensure that civil cases are resolved in a fair and timely manner.