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IA SF392
IA SF392A bill for an act prohibiting open containers of beverages containing tetrahydrocannabinol in the passenger area of motor vehicles on highways, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly SSB 1098.)
summary
Introduced
02/20/2025
02/20/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
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 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 bill modifies existing Iowa law to prohibit open containers of beverages containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the passenger area of motor vehicles on public streets or highways, similar to existing regulations for alcoholic beverages. The bill expands current open container laws to explicitly include THC-infused beverages, defining the "passenger area" as the space designed to seat the driver and passengers, including areas like the glove compartment. Drivers and passengers are now prohibited from possessing open or unsealed containers of beverages with THC in this area, though such beverages may still be transported in the vehicle's trunk or behind the last upright seat if no trunk is available. The legislation maintains existing penalties, treating violations as simple misdemeanors and including specific provisions for individuals under 21 years old who possess such beverages. By adding language about THC beverages, the bill updates motor vehicle regulations to address the growing prevalence of cannabis-infused drinks and ensures consistent legal treatment of open containers containing different types of intoxicating substances.
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Judiciary (Senate)
Last Action
Withdrawn. S.J. 501. (on 03/12/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF392 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SF392.html |
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