Technology

This bill makes it illegal to use automated software (bots) to purchase event tickets online. It directly affects consumers who use such bots to buy tickets and ticket sellers who enable or facilitate automated purchases. Violators face civil penalties, meaning they could be fined for breaking the law. The bill passed the Senate unanimously and was signed into law by the Governor in June 2025.

This bill requires Iowa school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to adopt policies by July 1, 2025, that restrict student use of personal electronic devices during classroom instructional time. The Department of Education will develop model policies for schools to consider. These policies must identify methods for parents to communicate with students during school hours and emergencies, establish disciplinary actions for violations, and outline secure storage protocols for devices. They must also include provisions allowing students to maintain access to devices for legitimate physical or mental health reasons, or as required by an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan. Additionally, school districts are mandated to revise their emergency operations plans by July 1, 2025, to align with these new policies on electronic device use.