Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to the use of an electronic device by deaf or hard-of-hearing persons to communicate in American sign language while driving, and making penalties applicable
Sponsored by Rep. Barb Kniff McCulla (R)
Topics:Transportation
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedFebruary 12, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 16, 2026
- Stopped: House committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: Senate committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The General Assembly adjourned on October 2, 2026. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
Under current law, a person is prohibited from using an electronic device while driving a motor vehicle unless the motor vehicle is at a complete stop off the traveled portion of the roadway, or as far away from the center of the roadway as is practicable if the vehicle cannot be entirely removed from the traveled portion of the roadway. A person may use an electronic device in a voice-activated or hands-free mode. Exceptions to the general prohibition are provided, and this bill adds to the exceptions by authorizing a deaf or hard-of-hearing person to use an electronic device to communicate in American sign language while driving.
Read the full explanation
The person must be at least years old and hold a driver’s license that is marked to reflect the person’s deaf or hard-of-hearing status on the face of the license. A person using an electronic device pursuant to the bill is prohibited from touching the device while driving the vehicle unless the vehicle is at a complete stop. In addition, the electronic device must remain fixed to the vehicle in an unobstructive manner and location.276 commits a simple misdemeanor punishable by a $100 scheduled fine and the violation is considered a moving violation for purposes of administrative driver’s license sanctions.
From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text
House subcommittee
Named February 16, 2026. Meeting: Wednesday, February 18 · 8:45 AM · RM 19.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
Iowa Code it changes
Amends§321.276
Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works
Lobbying
0 for · 1 against · 0 undecided · Who →