Bill > HB1516

This bill expands and updates Indiana's existing laws regarding the sale and distribution of vapor products, e-liquids, and electronic cigarettes by introducing a comprehensive definition of "prohibited products" that includes tobacco, e-liquids, electronic cigarettes, and vapor products. The bill establishes stringent regulations prohibiting the sale of these products to individuals under 21 years of age, with significant consequences for both individual sellers and retail establishments. Key provisions include mandating age verification for delivery sales, requiring specific shipping documentation, imposing civil penalties for violations, and restricting the placement and accessibility of vending machines and self-service displays containing prohibited products. Retailers must verify a purchaser's age through methods like checking government-issued identification or using commercially available age verification databases, and establishments where prohibited products comprise 85% or more of gross sales are prohibited from allowing individuals under 21 to enter. Violations can result in Class C infractions with escalating financial penalties, ranging from $400 for a first offense to $2,000 for multiple violations within a year, with all collected civil penalties directed to the Richard D. Doyle youth tobacco education and enforcement fund. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, providing businesses time to adjust to the new regulations.