Hands-Free Bill Heads To Governor’s Desk

District 11 Representative Craig Williams (R-Manning) says it appears 2025 will be the year hands-free driving becomes the law in Iowa. Last week, the Iowa House approved Senate File 22 (SF 22), which the Senate approved earlier in March, requiring Iowans only use voice-activated or hands-free modes on their cellphones while driving. Williams says it took a few years for hands-free to finally make it to the governor’s desk, but it is a bill that has overwhelming support from Iowans.

Drivers found in violation of the hands-free law could be charged with a simple misdemeanor and a fine of $100. Additional violations or crashes that lead to serious injury or death increase penalties to up to $1,000 and can include license suspensions of up to 180 days. Williams says the Senate had passed the bill in previous sessions, but the House had “freedoms” concerns until this year.

The hands-free bill now heads to Gov. Kim Reynolds’s desk. She is expected to sign the legislation, as she expressed support for such restrictions during her 2025 Condition of the State address. Williams made his comments during this weekend’s Carroll Chamber of Commerce/Carroll County Growth Partnership (CCGP) Legislative Forum at Kuemper Catholic High School. He was joined by District 6 Senator Jason Schultz (R-Schleswig).