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SF 22

Unincorporated nonprofit associations-amendments.

2026 Regular Session

Iowa bans holding or texting on electronic devices while driving; only voice-activated or hands-free use allowed, with penalties, license suspensions, and statewide preemption.

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Bill Summary · SF 22

Summary — SF 22 (2025)

Title: An Act relating to the use of an electronic device in a voice-activated or hands‑free mode while driving, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.

Purpose

SF 22 revises Iowa’s rules on using electronic devices while driving. It (1) defines key terms (electronic device, “use”, and “voice‑activated or hands‑free mode”), (2) prohibits handheld writing/sending/viewing of electronic messages while driving, (3) enumerates exemptions, (4) clarifies enforcement, license‑suspension rules, and preempts local ordinances, and (5) sets a scheduled fine for violations.

Key provisions

  • Definitions (amends Iowa Code §321.276(1)):
    • “Electronic device” broadly includes battery‑powered devices capable of composing/sending/receiving/reading messages or storing/displaying video or audio (phones, tablets, PDAs, gaming devices, portable computers, etc.). Excludes devices physically/electronically integrated into the vehicle (e.g., built‑in GPS entered before motion).
    • “Use” includes holding, viewing, or manipulating a device.
    • “Voice‑activated or hands‑free mode” allows operation by verbal commands or a single touch, but excludes accessing non‑navigation video content, video calls/streaming, gaming data, or reading messages/notifications.
  • Prohibition (§321.276(2)):
    • Drivers may not use a handheld electronic communication device to write, send, or view electronic messages while driving unless the vehicle is stopped off the traveled portion of the roadway.
    • Selecting/entering a number or activating a function using a voice‑activated/hands‑free mode is allowed.
  • Exemptions (list includes, among others):
    • Public safety personnel on duty, health care professionals during emergencies, persons receiving emergency/traffic/weather alerts, persons reporting emergencies, implement‑of‑husbandry operators, licensed amateur radio operators, certain public transit/utility workers, and other job‑related limited uses.
  • Enforcement and licensing:
    • Violations of certain driver‑restriction provisions (e.g., for new/restricted licenses) may be cited under the amended sections and are not treated as moving violations under §321.193.
    • The department may suspend or revoke restricted, intermediate, or full licenses upon evidence of violations (including conviction records) consistent with the revised statutory language.
  • Preemption:
    • State provisions are to be implemented uniformly and preempt any county or municipal ordinances on electronic device use by motor vehicle operators; local governments are prohibited from adopting or continuing such ordinances.
  • Penalty:
    • The enrolled bill assigns a scheduled fine for violations of §321.276; the enrolled text reads “the scheduled fine is forty‑five one hundred dollars” (the language as enrolled appears internally inconsistent).

Who is affected

  • All motor vehicle operators in Iowa (statewide application).
  • Local governments (prohibited from enacting separate ordinances on device use).
  • Specific categories of workers and responders who are listed as exemptions.
  • Drivers with restricted or intermediate licenses — suspension/revocation rules and citation treatment are modified.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced: Jan 14, 2025 (referred to Judiciary).
  • Committee/subcommittee activity in January–February 2025; committee recommended passage.
  • Passed Senate: Mar 18, 2025 (47–1); amendment S‑3027 was filed and lost.
  • Passed House (substituted for HF 827): Mar 26, 2025 (84–11).
  • Enrolled and sent to Governor: Mar 31, 2025.
  • Signed by Governor Kim Reynolds: Apr 2, 2025.
  • Additional docket entry: “Laid on table” noted June 9, 2025 (context unclear given earlier enactment).

Sponsors / related bills

  • Principal sponsors: Senators Evans, Rozenboom, Guth, Kraayenbrink, Reichman, Webster, Sweeney, Rowley, Koelker, Campbell, Alons, Lofgren, Salmon, Green, Klimesh, Driscoll.
  • Companion: HF 17.

Note: The enrolled text contains a possible drafting/typographical inconsistency in the fine amount. Users should consult the official codified statute or the state Code editor’s final version for the authoritative penalty amount.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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