Iowa Senate Moves to Ban Handheld Cellphones While Driving

Iowa lawmakers have advanced two significant bills aimed at reducing distractions in classrooms and on the roads. One bill, proposed by Governor Kim Reynolds, prohibits students from possessing cellphones during instructional time, aiming to enhance focus and learning; it passed the House with overwhelming support. Concurrently, the Iowa Senate has overwhelmingly passed a bill to prohibit handheld cellphone use while driving, aiming to improve road safety by enforcing hands-free operations. This bill, which passed 47-1, is expected to move to the House, where it has previously stalled but now shows promise this year. Supported by Governor Kim Reynolds and various advocacy groups, the bill allows exceptions for hands-free and voice-activated use. Both measures reflect a broader effort to improve safety and educational outcomes in the state.