Public Policy

Specifies, with respect to a tobacco sales certificate (certificate), that a permitted premises may not include sleeping or living quarters. Provides that a person may not sell a tobacco product or electronic cigarette at wholesale without a certificate. Adds additional information an applicant must provide to the alcohol and tobacco commission (commission) when applying for a certificate. Provides, with one exception, that the commission shall not issue a certificate to a retail location where a certificate was revoked within one year prior to the application. Specifies the circumstances under which the commission must either suspend or revoke a certificate if the certificate holder's employees violate employee identification requirements three or more times in one year. Makes it a Class C infraction for a certificate holder or employee to violate particular identification requirements. Modifies the application of certain statutes concerning vapor pens and e-liquid. Establishes various requirements and penalties applicable to e-liquid, e-liquid products, and vapor devices, including restrictions on the manufacture, sourcing, possession, sale, and distribution of foreign adversary products. Specifies that certain provisions concerning vapor pens and e-liquid do not authorize the manufacturing, sale, possession, or use of a controlled substance or any product containing a controlled substance. Amends the requirements for an initial and renewal application to manufacture e-liquids or e-liquid products. Requires, in a provision concerning the sale of cigarettes, that a buydown be considered in determining the cost to the retailer or cost to the distributor. Specifies an exception. Adds the sale of alcohol without a permit to the violations which may constitute racketeering activity. Changes the infraction of the habitual illegal sale of tobacco products from six violations in a year to three violations in a year. Changes the infraction of the habitual illegal entrance by a minor from six violations to three violations in a year. Specifies that a prohibition on the sale, use, or distribution of flavored nitrous oxide does not apply to a law enforcement agency disposing of flavored nitrous oxide by donation to a nonprofit organization.

Allows the alcohol and tobacco commission (commission) to refuse to grant or renew or to suspend or revoke a retailer's permit if a licensed premises becomes a public nuisance or the scene of certain acts or prohibited conduct. Allows the chairman of the commission to temporarily suspend an alcoholic beverage retail permit if all of the following apply: (1) The chairman has a reasonable belief that a felony has been committed on the licensed premises. (2) The permit holder failed to take reasonable action to prevent the occurrence of a crime. (3) Multiple crimes or violations have occurred on the licensed premises in the last 12 months. (4) The continued operation of the licensed premises would pose a clear and immediate danger to the safety of the surrounding community or general public. Requires the commission to: (1) provide immediate notice to the permit holder of a factual basis for the suspension and the time and place of a hearing on the suspension; and (2) hold the hearing not later than three business days after the permit is suspended.

Allows the alcohol and tobacco commission to issue a permit for the sale of alcoholic beverages on the grounds of a county fair conducted by a local board, subject to certain limitations and requirements. Adds participation in an event sponsored by a local board to the activities permissible within the scope of a permit held by a farm winery, a small brewer, an artisan distiller, a beer retailer, a liquor retailer, and a wine retailer. Adds the state fair and a county fair that is issued a permit to the exceptions to the minor loitering statute.

SB 89 authorizes the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission to issue new three-way permits in specific locations. It allows up to three new permits for Schererville, three for Lafayette, two for West Lafayette, and eight for restaurants within transit development districts. These permits typically allow alcohol service in multiple settings (like dining, retail, and entertainment) under one license. The bill directly affects businesses in those designated areas by expanding their alcohol service options through new permit authorizations.

HCR 21 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing GAP26 for its work promoting prayer, faith, and community nationwide. It does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals. The resolution formally commends GAP26's efforts but has no binding legal effect. It was introduced in the Senate and House on February 16, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Public Policy for review.