As classes start up again around Iowa, new laws will affect how students learn.

Gov. Kim Reynolds made a law limiting cell phones during class time the centerpiece of her legislative agenda this year.

And Iowa lawmakers boosted the state's spending on K-12 education this year by 2% , adding $162 per student for a total of $7,988 in per-pupil state spending for the 2025-26 school year.

Not every law passed this spring will take effect this school year. A measure requiring high schoolers to pass a civics test to graduate won't kick in until the 2026-27 school year.

Here are some of the new laws students and teachers can expect as the school year starts up.

Schools must have policies limiting cell phones during class

Every one of Iowa's public K-12 schools must have policies in p

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