Bills › 91st General Assembly

Prohibiting open containers of beverages containing tetrahydrocannabinol in the passenger area of motor vehicles on highways, and making penalties applicable

Proposed by the Department of Public Safety · their explanation · all agency proposals

Topics:Alcohol, cannabis & gamingPublic safety & emergenciesTransportation

Same legislation: HF 181, SSB 1098, SF 392

Where it is now

  1. Done: IntroducedJanuary 15, 2025
  2. Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 15, 2025
  3. Done: House committeeJanuary 29, 2025
  4. Skipped: Passes the HouseContinued as HF 181
  5. Next: Senate committee
  6. Next: Passes the Senate
  7. Next: To the Governor
  8. Next: Signed into law

Became HF 181 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 181 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

AI summary Drivers and passengers in most vehicles are already not allowed to have open containers of alcohol in the passenger area. This bill adds a rule that also prohibits people from having open containers of certain THC beverages in the passenger area. Violating these rules is a simple misdemeanor that can result in a fine.1

Read the official explanation

Under current law, the driver of a motor vehicle and passengers, other than passengers being transported in a motor vehicle designed, maintained, or used primarily for the transportation of persons for compensation, and passengers being transported in the living quarters of a motor home, motorsports recreational vehicle, manufactured or mobile home, travel trailer, or fifth-wheel travel trailer, are prohibited from possessing in the passenger area of the motor vehicle an open or unsealed bottle, can, jar, or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage while the vehicle is operated on a public street or highway. An open or unsealed receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage may be transported in the trunk of the motor vehicle or behind the last upright seat of the motor vehicle if the motor vehicle does not have a trunk. This bill similarly prohibits a driver and passenger from possessing an open container of an otherwise lawful beverage containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).1), in addition to certain labeling requirements under Code chapter 204 (hemp and hemp products).284A (passenger), including by possessing an open container of an otherwise lawful beverage containing THC, commits a simple misdemeanor punishable by a $260 scheduled fine.

Full bill text · What changed before it passed2

House subcommittee

Named January 15, 2025. On January 23, 2025 it recommended passage.

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

1 written public comment to its subcommittee: February 12, 2025 (1) · on the Legislature’s site

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§321.284§321.284A

How the Code works3

Lobbying

6 for · 0 against · 13 undecided · Who →

Family tree