An Iowa House subcommittee advanced a bill (HF392) that would require motorists to use cell phones in hands-free or voice-activated mode while driving. This bill was introduced last year and is moving along with a companion bill in the Iowa Senate (SF330).
The issue was immediately taken up with the Iowa House Transportation Committee where it passed. The bill is eligible for floor debate in the House.
A subcommittee will meet on the Senate companion bill on Wednesday.
Under current law, Code section 321.276 prohibits the use of hand-held electronic communication devices to write, send, or view electronic messages while driving a motor vehicle. This bill expands Code section 321.276 to prohibit any use of an electronic device while driving. The bill defines the terms “electronic device” and “voice-activated or hands-free mode”.
