DES MOINES, Iowa — For advocates, police departments, state troopers and grieving families, the bill signing in the Iowa Governor’s Office on Wednesday morning was the culmination of three years of hard work.

Governor Reynolds signed the bill that changes Iowa’s distracted driving law to a version that is more enforceable for the state’s law enforcement.

“According to a recent study, a 10% reduction in distracted driving will prevent over 1,200 crashes, 700 injuries and six deaths, as well as over $50 million in economic damages,” said Gov. Reynolds.

The governor was surrounded by different law enforcement entities and families who have lost a loved one due to fatal distracted driving crashes over the last several years. She read off the names of those who have died in these accidents, taking a moment to recognize the families and the advocacy work done over the last several years.

Roland Taylor’s family was in attendance, as Wednesday marked two years since his passing when he died in a crash caused by a distracted driver. Also in attendance was Judi Collora, who lost her 30-year-old daughter in 2023 to a speeding and distracted driver, and Berta Pearson, who lost her grandson in October 2022 while he was on the job. These are just a couple of the families who have pushed for the law to change.

Reynolds cited Minnesota saw a 31% decrease in crashes one year after a hands-free law was adopted and Illinois saw a 22% decrease. The law will take effect in Iowa on July 1, 2025, with the fine for distracted driving set at $100.

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