Michigan Senators protect kids with passage of bipartisan Tobacco Retail Licensing bills

Legislation would require retailers to be licensed to sell tobacco products, just like marijuana and alcohol

LANSING – Michigan senators prioritized the health of the state’s kids by voting to require retailers to obtain a license to sell tobacco in the state. The Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance applauded the action focusing on the health of Michigan kids over the profits of the tobacco industry.

The Senate Thursday passed Senate Bills 462 and 465, sponsored by Sens. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) and Joe Bellino (R-Monroe) that would require retailers to obtain a license to sell tobacco products in Michigan, just like alcohol and marijuana dealers.

“Michigan’s young people have paid the price for the state’s weak tobacco regulations for far too long,” said Jodi Radke, regional director of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and chair of the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance. “Creating a tobacco retail license would be a game-changer for stopping illegal sales, holding retailers accountable, and keeping these addictive products out of kids’ hands.”

Michigan is one of only nine states without a tobacco retail licensing system. Public health experts say this gap contributes to illegal sales and easier youth access to products like flavored e-cigarettes.

Radke continued: “We are grateful to Michigan senators, especially our sponsors Sen. Singh and Sen. Bellino, for prioritizing kids’ health by passing these important tobacco prevention measures. We hope to see these move swiftly through the House and to the Governor’s desk in 2026.”

While advocates are pleased with today’s legislative action, they are disappointed by the Senate's lack of action to repeal Michigan’s ineffective youth tobacco penalties. PUP penalties (purchase, use and possession) place the responsibility for underage tobacco use on youth instead of retailers who illegally sell them the products. 

“Data proves that PUP penalties are not an effective way to curb youth tobacco use and instead hinder future opportunities for Michigan kids,” said Minou Jones, chair of the Detroit Wayne Oakland Tobacco Free Coalition. “Repealing these penalties goes hand-in-hand with creating a tobacco retail licensing as effective ways to prevent youth tobacco use. We are hopeful that these bills will be advanced by the Senate in early 2026.”

Bipartisan members of the House also signaled their support for these tobacco prevention issues this week by introducing similar legislation focused on requiring tobacco retail licensure and repealing youth tobacco penalties in Michigan. House Bills 5368-5370, sponsored by State Reps. Brad Slagh (R-Zeeland) and Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy), would require tobacco retailers to be licensed in Michigan, enabling the state to stop sales of tobacco to kids. House Bills 5371 and 5372, sponsored by State Reps. Stephanie Young (D-Detroit) and Helena Scott (D-Detroit), would repeal ineffective penalties on youth for using and purchasing tobacco products.

The Senate bills approved today now head to the House for consideration. Similar bills passed both chambers last session but did not reach the governor’s desk.

About the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance
The Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance is a coalition of more than 120 public health, community organizations, school groups and other community groups advocating for stronger tobacco policy and prevention in Michigan. Learn more at KeepMIKidsTobaccoFree.com.

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