DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds signed House File 782 on Thursday. The bill creates restrictions to use of electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours and school safety plans and including effective date provisions. House File 782 prohibits cell phones during instructional time and includes exceptions to accommodate students with disabilities, English language learners, and those with individual education plans. The bill is effective upon enactment.

LINN COUNTY – The Linn County Sheriff’s Office found two people dead in a mobile home on Thursday. KGAN-TV reports deputies found a man and a woman during a welfare check. The sheriff believes there is no additional danger to the public. Both individuals have been transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office.

ANKENY – The former leader of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce has pleaded guilty to several felony charges for stealing thousands of dollars and altering records. WHO-13 reports 47-year-old Melisa Cox reached an agreement with the prosecution to be convicted of money laundering, first-degree theft, and unauthorized use of a credit card, and an additional count of second-degree theft. Eight other charges were dismissed. Cox was accused of stealing $250,000 from the chamber over a two-year span.