Kentucky 2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted 2 R cosponsors

SB 245 — AN ACT relating to tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product licensure and declaring an emergency.

Last action — signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 70)

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed Senate
  4. ✓
    Passed House
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 25, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Andy Beshear (Democratic) on April 10, 2026.

Odds of enactment

High chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 74% · moderate confidence

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 2 sponsors

    2 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (2 R).

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 4 recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Summary

Create a new section of KRS 438.305 to 438.350 to establish application form requirements for a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license; prohibit the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control from establishing any additional licensure requirements beyond those prescribed in statute; require the department to publish and maintain on its website the components required for a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license; amend various sections of KRS 438.305 to 438.350 to require the Secretary of State to notify retailers that a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license is required to sell authorized nicotine vapor products; establish application requirements for a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license; require the department to publish the application form on its website within 30 days of the effective date of this Act; require the licensing fee to be refunded to the applicant if a license is not issued; require a licensure renewal form and a licensing fee to be remitted to the department upon the renewal of a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license; define "batch license"; allow a retailer with a license issued by the department under KRS Chapter 243 to renew a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license on the date of its next renewal; allow an applicant or licensee to batch license using a singular application or renewal form; allow a licensee to batch license on the date of its next alcohol licensure renewal or 1 year from the date of issuance of its tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license; require an applicant or licensee who chooses to batch license to multiply the licensure fee by the number of locations to be licensed or premises to be renewed; require the department to establish a singular application and renewal form for a batch license; allow the department to require a supplemental form for batch licensing if an alcohol license requires further information; grant a grace period to applicants for any error identified in an application by the department; establish requirements for a change of ownership; establish grounds for denial of an application; require the department to promulgate administrative regulations relating to tobacco, nicotine, and vapor licensing within 30 days of the effective date of this Act; repeal KRS 438.3065, which establishes transitional licensing; prohibit this Act from delaying enforcement; require any retailer selling tobacco, nicotine, or vapor products in Kentucky that does not currently hold a license to remit the initial application form and licensing fee within 60 days of the effective date of this Act; credit a licensee's 2025 licensing fee to the licensee's upcoming licensing fee payment for 2026; RETROACTIVE, in part, to January 1, 2026; EMERGENCY.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

405 added · 552 removed

405 line(s) added, 552 removed.

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UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN AN ACT relating to tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product licensure and declaring an emergency.
CHAPTER 70 1 CHAPTER 70 ( SB 245 ) AN ACT relating to tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product licensure and declaring an emergency.
"CONTAINS TOBACCO OR NICOTINE Page 1 of 19 SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN PRODUCTS." (3) At the time of delivery, the recipient of the shipment or delivery shall present to the individual delivering the package a valid identification document.
"CONTAINS TOBACCO OR NICOTINE PRODUCTS." (3) At the time of delivery, the recipient of the shipment or delivery shall present to the individual delivering the package a valid identification document.
(7) If a common or private carrier is unable to complete delivery under this section, Page 2 of 19 SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN the tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or vapor products shall be returned to the retailer.
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (7) If a common or private carrier is unable to complete delivery under this section, the tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or vapor products shall be returned to the retailer.
Page 3 of 19 SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN (e) 1.
(e) 1.
A statement that the applicant or any other person referred to in this section has not had any license that has been issued under KRS Chapter 438 revoked for cause within two (2) years prior to the date of Page 4 of 19 SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN the application.
A statement that the applicant or any other person referred to in this section has not had any license that has been issued under KRS Chapter 438 revoked for cause within two (2) years prior to the date of the application.
or c.
or CHAPTER 70 3 c.
and Page 5 of 19 SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN 4.
and 4.
and Page 6 of 19 SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN (c) Any other special or temporary license the department deems necessary.
and (c) Any other special or temporary license the department deems necessary.
(b) On and after November 1, 2026, the department shall confiscate all alternative nicotine products, tobacco products, or authorized nicotine vapor products from any person, firm, or corporation that violates subsection (1) of this section.
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (b) On and after November 1, 2026, the department shall confiscate all alternative nicotine products, tobacco products, or authorized nicotine vapor products from any person, firm, or corporation that violates subsection (1) of this section.
and (c) Be posted in a conspicuous place in the location[premises] of the business Page 7 of 19 SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN where alternative nicotine products, tobacco products, or authorized nicotine vapor products are sold.
and (c) Be posted in a conspicuous place in the location[premises] of the business where alternative nicotine products, tobacco products, or authorized nicotine vapor products are sold.
Page 8 of 19 SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN (d) A retailer or business seeking annual licensure may choose not to batch license and may apply for its tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license individually on any date throughout the calendar year and renew its license one (1) year from the date of issuance.
(d) A retailer or business seeking annual licensure may choose not to batch license and may apply for its tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license individually on any date throughout the calendar year and renew its license one (1) year from the date of issuance.
(5) (a) Prior to denial or notification of failure to renew, if the department identifies any error or omission in any application submitted for issuance or renewal of a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license:
CHAPTER 70 5 (5) (a) Prior to denial or notification of failure to renew, if the department identifies any error or omission in any application submitted for issuance or renewal of a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license:
(7)[(6)] (a) If a retailer has a change of ownership, the new owner shall provide Page 9 of 19 SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN written notice to the department of the change in ownership no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the transaction or sale closing, and the notice shall include:
(7)[(6)] (a) If a retailer has a change of ownership, the new owner shall provide written notice to the department of the change in ownership no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the transaction or sale closing, and the notice shall include:
(d) Applicant or business owners have a tax delinquency due to the Department Page 10 of 19 SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN of Revenue, unless the applicant or business owners have an approved payment agreement with the Department of Revenue;
(d) Applicant or business owners have a tax delinquency due to the Department of Revenue, unless the applicant or business owners have an approved payment agreement with the Department of Revenue;
1.
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1.
Page 11 of 19 SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN (1) Any of the provisions of KRS 438.305 to 438.350, as they relate to the regulation of alternative nicotine products, tobacco products, and vapor products, except as provided in Section 8 of this Act and KRS 438.312, in which the schedule of penalty of each respective statute shall be followed;
(1) Any of the provisions of KRS 438.305 to 438.350, as they relate to the regulation of alternative nicotine products, tobacco products, and vapor products, except as provided in Section 8 of this Act and KRS 438.312, in which the schedule of penalty of each respective statute shall be followed;
(2) Any person who sells tobacco products or alternative nicotine products at retail shall cause to be posted in a conspicuous place in his or her establishment a notice stating that it is illegal to sell tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or Page 12 of 19 SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN vapor products to persons under age twenty-one (21).
(2) Any person who sells tobacco products or alternative nicotine products at retail shall cause to be posted in a conspicuous place in his or her establishment a notice stating that it is illegal to sell tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or vapor products to persons under age twenty-one (21).
(7) A retailer shall be prohibited from renewing its license until all fines incurred under KRS 438.305 to 438.350 as they relate to the regulation of alternative nicotine products, tobacco products, and vapor products are paid.
CHAPTER 70 7 (7) A retailer shall be prohibited from renewing its license until all fines incurred under KRS 438.305 to 438.350 as they relate to the regulation of alternative nicotine products, tobacco products, and vapor products are paid.
(1) A retailer of nicotine vapor products containing nicotine shall only sell authorized Page 13 of 19 SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN nicotine vapor products.
(1) A retailer of nicotine vapor products containing nicotine shall only sell authorized nicotine vapor products.
(1) Except as provided in KRS 438.337, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the Department of Agriculture shall carry out annually conducted random, unannounced inspections of retail establishments where tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or vapor products are sold or distributed for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of KRS 438.305 to 438.350 as they relate to the regulation of alternative nicotine products, tobacco products, and vapor Page 14 of 19 SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN products.
(1) Except as provided in KRS 438.337, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the Department of Agriculture shall carry out annually conducted random, unannounced inspections of retail establishments where tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or vapor products are sold or distributed for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of KRS 438.305 to 438.350 as they relate to the regulation of alternative nicotine products, tobacco products, and vapor products.
(2) The department shall promulgate administrative regulations relating to tobacco, nicotine, and vapor licensing in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A within thirty Page 15 of 19 SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN (30) days of the effective date of this Act.
(2) The department shall promulgate administrative regulations relating to tobacco, nicotine, and vapor licensing in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A within thirty (30) days of the effective date of this Act.
(1) The temporary license application required in Section 5 of this Act shall contain only the following information, given under oath:
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (1) The temporary license application required in Section 5 of this Act shall contain only the following information, given under oath:
Page 16 of 19 SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN b.
b.
Page 17 of 19 SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN 2.
2.
Section 14.
CHAPTER 70 9 Section 14.
Page 18 of 19 SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 245/EN Section 17.
Section 17.
Page 19 of 19 SB024520.100 - 1780 - XXXX 3/27/2026 11:46 AM Engrossed
Signed by Governor April 10, 2026.
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version
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How this bill changes current law

5 changes Share ↗

Compared against the Kentucky Revised Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill adds definitions for pipe tobacco and premium cigars, establishes age verification processes for deliveries of tobacco products, and amends existing license application requirements for retailers.

  • KRS 438.305

    (1) As used in this section: (a) "Pipe tobacco" means any tobacco which, because of its appearance, type, packaging, or labeling, is suitable for use and likely to be offered to or purchased by consumers as tobacco to be smoked in a pipe; and (b) "Premium cigar" means a cigar that: 1. Is wrapped in whole leaf tobacco; 2. Contains a one hundred percent (100%) leaf tobacco binder; 3. Is made by manually combining the wrapper, filler, and binder; 4. Has no filter, tip, or nontobacco mouthpiece and is capped by hand; and 5. Weighs more than six (6) pounds per one thousand (1,000) units.

    This adds definitions for pipe tobacco and premium cigars to the statute.

  • KRS 438.306

    and → and (c) Prior to June 30 of each calendar year, as a part of the electronic notification reminder to each business to submit its annual report, notify retailers that a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license is required to sell authorized nicotine vapor products.

    This requires additional notifications to retailers regarding the necessity of licenses for selling vapor products.

  • KRS 438.3061

    (2) (a) A retailer shall notify a consumer placing an order for any tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or vapor products that the shipment or delivery shall not be completed unless the recipient of the shipment or delivery provides a valid identification document at the time of the shipment or delivery verifying that the recipient is at least twenty-one (21) years of age. (3) At the time of delivery, the recipient of the shipment or delivery shall present to the individual delivering the package a valid identification document. Prior to transferring possession of the package, the individual delivering the package shall visually inspect the document and verify the identity of the recipient and, by visual examination or by using age verification technology, that the recipient is at least twenty-one (21) years of age. (4) Before transferring possession of the package, the individual delivering the package shall obtain the signature of the recipient of the shipment or delivery.

    This establishes age verification requirements for the shipment and delivery of tobacco products.

  • KRS 438.3061

    (5) A retailer or common or private carrier that fails to comply with this section shall: (a) For the first offense, be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine of five hundred dollars ($500); and (b) For each subsequent offense, be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000).

    This introduces penalties for retailers and carriers who fail to comply with the new age verification requirements.

  • KRS 438.3061

    (6) A consumer who intentionally causes an unlawful shipment or delivery under this section shall: (a) For the first offense, be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250); and (b) For each subsequent offense, be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine of five hundred dollars ($500).

    This establishes penalties for consumers who cause unlawful shipments of tobacco products.

Action History

  1. signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 70)

  2. delivered to Governor

  3. enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House

  4. enrolled, signed by President of the Senate

  5. passed 35-1

  6. Free Conference Committee report adopted in Senate

  7. posted for passage for consideration of Free Conference Committee Report

  8. taken from Rules

  9. to Rules (S)

  10. received in Senate

  11. passed 78-0

  12. Free Conference Committee report adopted in House

  13. posted for passage for consideration Free Conference Committee Report in House

  14. Free Conference Committee report filed in House

  15. Conference Committee report adopted in House

  16. Conference Committee report filed in House and Senate

  17. Conference and Free Conference Committees appointed in House and Senate

  18. House refused to recede from Committee Substitute (1) and Floor Amendment (1)

  19. posted for passage for receding from House Committee Substitute (1) and Floor Amendment (1)

  20. taken from Rules

  21. to Rules (H)

  22. received in House

  23. Senate refused to concur in House Committee Substitute (1) and Floor Amendment (1)

  24. passed over and retained for concurrence in House Committee Substitute (1) and House Floor Amendment (1)

  25. passed over and retained for concurrence in House Committee Substitute (1) and Floor Amendment (1)

  26. posted for passage for concurrence in House Committee Substitute (1) and Floor Amendment (1)

  27. taken from Rules

  28. to Rules (S)

  29. received in Senate

  30. 3rd reading, passed 85-0 with Floor Amendment (1) and Committee Substitute (1)

  31. posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Friday, March 20 2026

  32. floor amendment (1) filed to Committee Substitute

  33. reported favorably, to Rules with Committee Substitute (1)

  34. returned to Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H)

  35. 2nd reading

  36. taken from Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H)

  37. returned to Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H)

  38. 1st reading

  39. taken from Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H)

  40. to Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H)

  41. to Committee on Committees (H)

  42. received in House

  43. passed 36-0

  44. floor amendment (1) withdrawn

  45. 3rd reading

  46. floor amendment (1) filed

  47. passed over and retained in the Orders of the Day

  48. posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Thursday, March 05 2026

  49. 2nd reading, to Rules

  50. reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar

  51. to Licensing & Occupations (S)

  52. to Committee on Committees (S)

  53. introduced in Senate

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

2 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 136 not signed on · 1 voted No

Sponsors (2)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (136)

136 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 136 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Final Passage

Passed 78 Yea · 0 Nay · 22 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 17003
Republican 600019
Unaffiliated 1001
Total 780023
% of votes cast 77%0%0%23%
How each member voted (101)
Member Party Vote
Lewis C — Yea
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY SENATE — Not Voting
Adam Moore Democrat Yea
Adrielle Camuel Democrat Not Voting
Al Gentry Democrat Yea
Anne Gay Donworth Democrat Yea
Ashley Tackett Laferty Democrat Yea
Beverly Chester-Burton Democrat Yea
Chad Aull Democrat Yea
Daniel Grossberg Democrat Yea
Erika Hancock Democrat Yea
George Brown Jr. Democrat Yea
Joshua Watkins Democrat Yea
Lindsey Burke Democrat Yea
Lisa Willner Democrat Yea
Mary Lou Marzian Democrat Not Voting
Matthew Lehman Democrat Yea
Nima Kulkarni Democrat Yea
Pamela Stevenson Democrat Not Voting
Rachel Roarx Democrat Yea
Sarah Stalker Democrat Yea
Tina Bojanowski Democrat Yea
Aaron Thompson Republican Yea
Adam Bowling Republican Yea
Amy Neighbors Republican Yea
Bill Wesley Republican Yea
Bobby McCool Republican Yea
Candy Massaroni Republican Not Voting
Chris Freeland Republican Yea
Chris Fugate Republican Yea
DJ Johnson Republican Yea
Daniel Elliott Republican Yea
Daniel Fister Republican Yea
David Hale Republican Yea
David Meade Republican Yea
David W. Osborne Republican Not Voting
Deanna Gordon Republican Yea
Derek Lewis Republican Not Voting
Emily Callaway Republican Not Voting
Felicia Rabourn Republican Not Voting
J.T. Payne Republican Yea
James Tipton Republican Yea
Jared Bauman Republican Yea
Jason Nemes Republican Yea
Jason Petrie Republican Yea
Jennifer Decker Republican Not Voting
Jim Gooch Jr. Republican Yea
John Blanton Republican Yea
John Hodgson Republican Yea
Josh Branscum Republican Yea
Josh Bray Republican Yea
Josh Calloway Republican Not Voting
Ken Fleming Republican Yea
Ken Upchurch Republican Yea
Kevin Jackson Republican Yea
Kim Banta Republican Yea
Kim Holloway Republican Not Voting
Kim King Republican Yea
Kimberly Poore Moser Republican Yea
Marianne Proctor Republican Not Voting
Mark Hart Republican Yea
Mary Beth Imes Republican Yea
Matt Lockett Republican Not Voting
Matthew Koch Republican Yea
Michael Meredith Republican Yea
Michael Sarge Pollock Republican Yea
Mike Clines Republican Yea
Mitch Whitaker Republican Yea
Myron Dossett Republican Yea
Nancy Tate Republican Yea
Nick Wilson Republican Yea
Patrick Flannery Republican Yea
Peyton Griffee Republican Yea
Randy Bridges Republican Yea
Rebecca Raymer Republican Yea
Richard White Republican Not Voting
Robert Duvall Republican Yea
Ryan Bivens Republican Yea
Ryan Dotson Republican Yea
Samara Heavrin Republican Yea
Savannah Maddox Republican Not Voting
Scott Lewis Republican Yea
Scott Sharp Republican Yea
Shane Baker Republican Yea
Shawn McPherson Republican Yea
Stephanie Dietz Republican Yea
Steve Bratcher Republican Not Voting
Steve Riley Republican Yea
Steven Doan Republican Not Voting
Steven Rudy Republican Not Voting
Susan Witten Republican Yea
Suzanne Miles Republican Yea
T.J. Roberts Republican Not Voting
Thomas Huff Republican Yea
Timmy Truett Republican Yea
Tom Smith Republican Yea
Tony Hampton Republican Not Voting
Vanessa Grossl Republican Not Voting
Wade Williams Republican Yea
Walker Thomas Republican Yea
William Lawrence Republican Not Voting

Official roll call →

FINAL PASSAGE OF SB 245

Passed 35 Yea · 1 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 4001
Republican 31101
Total 35102
% of votes cast 92%3%0%5%
How each member voted (38)
Member Party Vote
Cassie Chambers Armstrong Democrat Not Voting
Gary Clemons Democrat Yea
Gerald A. Neal Democrat Yea
Karen Berg Democrat Yea
Keturah J. Herron Democrat Yea
Aaron Reed Republican Yea
Amanda Mays Bledsoe Republican Yea
Brandon J. Storm Republican Yea
Christian McDaniel Republican Not Voting
Craig Richardson Republican Yea
Danny Carroll Republican Yea
David P. Givens Republican Yea
Donald Douglas Republican Yea
Gary Boswell Republican Nay
Greg Elkins Republican Yea
Jared Carpenter Republican Yea
Jason Howell Republican Yea
Jason Nemes Republican Yea
Jimmy Higdon Republican Yea
Julie Raque Adams Republican Yea
Lindsey Tichenor Republican Yea
Matt Nunn Republican Yea
Matthew Deneen Republican Yea
Max Wise Republican Yea
Michael Meredith Republican Yea
Nick Wilson Republican Yea
Phillip Wheeler Republican Yea
Rick Girdler Republican Yea
Robby Mills Republican Yea
Robert Stivers Republican Yea
Robin L. Webb Republican Yea
Scott Madon Republican Yea
Shelley Funke Frommeyer Republican Yea
Stephen West Republican Yea
Steve Rawlings Republican Yea
Tom Smith Republican Yea
Wade Williams Republican Yea
Walker Thomas Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Pass

Passed 85 Yea · 0 Nay · 15 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 19001
Republican 650014
Unaffiliated 1001
Total 850016
% of votes cast 84%0%0%16%
How each member voted (101)
Member Party Vote
Lewis C — Yea
Commonwealth of Kentucky — Not Voting
Adam Moore Democrat Yea
Adrielle Camuel Democrat Yea
Al Gentry Democrat Yea
Anne Gay Donworth Democrat Yea
Ashley Tackett Laferty Democrat Yea
Beverly Chester-Burton Democrat Yea
Chad Aull Democrat Yea
Daniel Grossberg Democrat Yea
Erika Hancock Democrat Yea
George Brown Jr. Democrat Yea
Joshua Watkins Democrat Yea
Lindsey Burke Democrat Yea
Lisa Willner Democrat Yea
Mary Lou Marzian Democrat Yea
Matthew Lehman Democrat Yea
Nima Kulkarni Democrat Yea
Pamela Stevenson Democrat Not Voting
Rachel Roarx Democrat Yea
Sarah Stalker Democrat Yea
Tina Bojanowski Democrat Yea
Aaron Thompson Republican Yea
Adam Bowling Republican Yea
Amy Neighbors Republican Yea
Bill Wesley Republican Yea
Bobby McCool Republican Yea
Candy Massaroni Republican Not Voting
Chris Freeland Republican Yea
Chris Fugate Republican Yea
DJ Johnson Republican Yea
Daniel Elliott Republican Yea
Daniel Fister Republican Yea
David Hale Republican Yea
David Meade Republican Yea
David W. Osborne Republican Yea
Deanna Gordon Republican Yea
Derek Lewis Republican Yea
Emily Callaway Republican Yea
Felicia Rabourn Republican Not Voting
J.T. Payne Republican Yea
James Tipton Republican Yea
Jared Bauman Republican Yea
Jason Nemes Republican Yea
Jason Petrie Republican Yea
Jennifer Decker Republican Yea
Jim Gooch Jr. Republican Yea
John Blanton Republican Not Voting
John Hodgson Republican Yea
Josh Branscum Republican Yea
Josh Bray Republican Yea
Josh Calloway Republican Not Voting
Ken Fleming Republican Yea
Ken Upchurch Republican Yea
Kevin Jackson Republican Yea
Kim Banta Republican Not Voting
Kim Holloway Republican Not Voting
Kim King Republican Yea
Kimberly Poore Moser Republican Yea
Marianne Proctor Republican Yea
Mark Hart Republican Yea
Mary Beth Imes Republican Yea
Matt Lockett Republican Yea
Matthew Koch Republican Yea
Michael Meredith Republican Yea
Michael Sarge Pollock Republican Yea
Mike Clines Republican Yea
Mitch Whitaker Republican Yea
Myron Dossett Republican Yea
Nancy Tate Republican Yea
Nick Wilson Republican Yea
Patrick Flannery Republican Yea
Peyton Griffee Republican Yea
Randy Bridges Republican Yea
Rebecca Raymer Republican Yea
Richard White Republican Yea
Robert Duvall Republican Yea
Ryan Bivens Republican Yea
Ryan Dotson Republican Yea
Samara Heavrin Republican Yea
Savannah Maddox Republican Not Voting
Scott Lewis Republican Yea
Scott Sharp Republican Yea
Shane Baker Republican Yea
Shawn McPherson Republican Not Voting
Stephanie Dietz Republican Yea
Steve Bratcher Republican Yea
Steve Riley Republican Yea
Steven Doan Republican Not Voting
Steven Rudy Republican Not Voting
Susan Witten Republican Yea
Suzanne Miles Republican Yea
T.J. Roberts Republican Not Voting
Thomas Huff Republican Not Voting
Timmy Truett Republican Yea
Tom Smith Republican Yea
Tony Hampton Republican Not Voting
Vanessa Grossl Republican Yea
Wade Williams Republican Yea
Walker Thomas Republican Yea
William Lawrence Republican Not Voting

Official roll call →

PASS SB 245

Passed 36 Yea · 0 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 5000
Republican 31002
Total 36002
% of votes cast 95%0%0%5%
How each member voted (38)
Member Party Vote
Cassie Chambers Armstrong Democrat Yea
Gary Clemons Democrat Yea
Gerald A. Neal Democrat Yea
Karen Berg Democrat Yea
Keturah J. Herron Democrat Yea
Aaron Reed Republican Yea
Amanda Mays Bledsoe Republican Yea
Brandon J. Storm Republican Yea
Christian McDaniel Republican Yea
Craig Richardson Republican Yea
Danny Carroll Republican Yea
David P. Givens Republican Yea
Donald Douglas Republican Yea
Gary Boswell Republican Yea
Greg Elkins Republican Yea
Jared Carpenter Republican Yea
Jason Howell Republican Yea
Jason Nemes Republican Yea
Jimmy Higdon Republican Not Voting
Julie Raque Adams Republican Yea
Lindsey Tichenor Republican Yea
Matt Nunn Republican Yea
Matthew Deneen Republican Yea
Max Wise Republican Yea
Michael Meredith Republican Yea
Nick Wilson Republican Yea
Phillip Wheeler Republican Yea
Rick Girdler Republican Yea
Robby Mills Republican Yea
Robert Stivers Republican Yea
Robin L. Webb Republican Yea
Scott Madon Republican Yea
Shelley Funke Frommeyer Republican Not Voting
Stephen West Republican Yea
Steve Rawlings Republican Yea
Tom Smith Republican Yea
Wade Williams Republican Yea
Walker Thomas Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

public-safety health-insurance
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

What does SB 245 do?
Create a new section of KRS 438.305 to 438.350 to establish application form requirements for a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license; prohibit the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control from establishing any additional licensure requirements beyond those prescribed in statute; require the department to publish and maintain on its website the components required for a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license; amend various sections of KRS 438.305 to 438.350 to require the Secretary of State to notify retailers that a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license is required to sell authorized nicotine vapor products; establish application requirements for a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license; require the department to publish the application form on its website within 30 days of the effective date of this Act; require the licensing fee to be refunded to the applicant if a license is not issued; require a licensure renewal form and a licensing fee to be remitted to the department upon the renewal of a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license; define "batch license"; allow a retailer with a license issued by the department under KRS Chapter 243 to renew a tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license on the date of its next renewal; allow an applicant or licensee to batch license using a singular application or renewal form; allow a licensee to batch license on the date of its next alcohol licensure renewal or 1 year from the date of issuance of its tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product license; require an applicant or licensee who chooses to batch license to multiply the licensure fee by the number of locations to be licensed or premises to be renewed; require the department to establish a singular application and renewal form for a batch license; allow the department to require a supplemental form for batch licensing if an alcohol license requires further information; grant a grace period to applicants for any error identified in an application by the department; establish requirements for a change of ownership; establish grounds for denial of an application; require the department to promulgate administrative regulations relating to tobacco, nicotine, and vapor licensing within 30 days of the effective date of this Act; repeal KRS 438.3065, which establishes transitional licensing; prohibit this Act from delaying enforcement; require any retailer selling tobacco, nicotine, or vapor products in Kentucky that does not currently hold a license to remit the initial application form and licensing fee within 60 days of the effective date of this Act; credit a licensee's 2025 licensing fee to the licensee's upcoming licensing fee payment for 2026; RETROACTIVE, in part, to January 1, 2026; EMERGENCY.
Who sponsors SB 245?
SB 245 is sponsored by Jimmy Higdon (Republican) and Robin L. Webb (Republican).
What is the current status of SB 245?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 25, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track SB 245?
Track SB 245 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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