Bill
Bill > SSB1098
IA SSB1098
IA SSB1098A bill for an act prohibiting open containers of beverages containing tetrahydrocannabinol in the passenger area of motor vehicles on highways, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 392.)
summary
Introduced
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
In Committee
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/03/2026
05/03/2026
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
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). A lawful beverage containing THC must not exceed 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis, is limited to 4 milligrams of THC (on a dry weight basis) per serving and 10 milligrams of THC (on a dry weight S.F. _____ H.F. _____ basis) per container, and must hold a minimum of 12 ounces (641 IAC 156.1), in addition to certain labeling requirements under Code chapter 204 (hemp and hemp products). By operation of law, a person who violates the open container prohibitions in Code section 321.284 (driver) or 321.284A (passenger), including by possessing an open container of an otherwise lawful beverage containing THC, commits a simple misdemeanor punishable by a $260 scheduled fine.
AI Summary
This Study Bill extends existing open container laws for alcoholic beverages to also prohibit open containers of beverages containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the passenger area of motor vehicles on public roads, meaning drivers and passengers cannot have these open drinks accessible to them while driving, similar to how it applies to alcohol. THC is a compound found in cannabis, and for a beverage to be considered "lawful" under these regulations, it must contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight, with specific limits on THC per serving and per container, and meet certain labeling requirements related to hemp products. Violating this new prohibition, like the existing alcohol open container laws, will result in a simple misdemeanor, punishable by a $260 fine, and individuals under 21 caught with such beverages will face penalties related to underage alcohol possession.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Judiciary (Senate)
Last Action
Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 392. (on 02/19/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SSB1098 | 02/04/2025 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SSB1098.html | 02/04/2025 |
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