Gov. Reynolds announces school cell phone ban policy, new state DOGE task force

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds delivered her eighth Condition of the State speech, where she unveiled a statewide cell phone ban aimed at minimizing distractions in schools. This initiative follows the implementation of similar bans in various school districts and aims to enhance instructional time for students. Reynolds also introduced a new State DOGE task force, which is focused on improving efficiency within state and local governments, led by Emily Schmitt from Sukup Manufacturing. The Governor's office expressed hopes for fruitful exchanges of ideas and practices between federal agencies and state officials. In addition to educational reforms, Reynolds addressed broader issues, including the raising of teacher salaries and personalized support for struggling students.

She emphasized the need for bipartisan collaboration on both the cell phone ban and a proposed distracted driving bill, which seeks to reduce road accidents linked to smartphone use. Reynolds also shared stories of resilience among Iowans in the face of recent severe weather events, underlining the community's strength. The governor's proposals reflect a proactive approach to addressing critical challenges within the state, prioritizing both education and public safety.