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On February 4, 2026, South Dakota courts announced significant changes to their civil practice procedures in an effort to address the backlog of cases that has been steadily increasing over the past few years. The changes, which are set to take effect immediately, aim to streamline the legal process and expedite the resolution of civil disputes in the state.One of the key changes is the implementation of a mandatory alternative dispute resolution program for all civil cases. Under this new program, parties will be required to participate in mediation or arbitration before their case can proceed to trial. This is expected to help alleviate the strain on the court system by encouraging parties to resolve their disputes outside of the courtroom.Additionally, the courts will be increasing the use of technology in the handling of civil cases. Electronic filing and virtual hearings will be prioritized to reduce the reliance on in-person proceedings, which can be time-consuming and costly. This move is also in line with the state's efforts to modernize its court system and make it more efficient and accessible to all parties involved.Furthermore, the courts will be reassigning judges and staff to focus specifically on civil cases in order to ensure timely and equitable resolution. This reallocation of resources is expected to improve the efficiency of the civil practice process and reduce the backlog of cases that have been languishing in the system.Overall, these changes represent a significant shift in how civil cases are handled in South Dakota. By implementing mandatory alternative dispute resolution, increasing the use of technology, and reassigning resources, the courts are taking proactive measures to address the growing backlog of cases and improve the overall efficiency of the civil practice system. It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the resolution of civil disputes in the state, but they are certainly a step in the right direction towards a more timely and effective legal process.