91st General Assembly · Funnel one-pager · Monday, November 9, 2026

HF 2179: Requiring the use of safety belts or safety harnesses by passengers of motor vehicles, and making penalties applicable

Died when the session ended · The General Assembly adjourned on October 2, 2026. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died.

What it does

445 (safety belts and safety harnesses) requires drivers and front seat occupants of motor vehicles who are years of age or older to wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt or safety harness any time the vehicle is in forward motion on a street or highway. This bill applies the requirement to all passengers of the vehicle who are years of age or older.445.446 (child restraint devices) requires children under years of age to be secured during transit by a child restraint system, safety belt, or safety harness.

Cost

No fiscal note

House subcommittee · named January 28, 2026

Rep. Megan Jones (R) · megan.jones@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Mary Lee Madison (D) · mary.madison@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. David E. Young (R) · david.young@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 5 for, 0 against

For: AARP Iowa; Blank Childrens Hospital; Brain Injury Association of Iowa; Iowa Bicycle Coalition; Iowa Off -Highway Vehicle Association

In plain words

January 27, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Transportation committee
January 28, 2026House subcommittee named: Jones, Madison and Young
February 10, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it