Indiana Highlights

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States and in Indiana. To address this enormous toll, the American Lung Association calls for the following actions to be taken by Indiana's elected officials:

The American Lung Association lead, Tobacco- Free Indiana coalition successfully advocated for and secured a historic $2.00 per-pack increase in Indiana's cigarette tax with increases in taxes on all other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. This evidence based public health strategy is proven to reduce youth initiation and increase adult cessation.

This comprehensive approach not only reduced the affordability of cigarettes but also closed loopholes that previously allowed lower taxes on cigars, smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes. The tobacco tax increases will also increase state revenue and reinforce Indiana's commitment to reducing tobacco use and preventing youth addiction. Based on national evidence from similar cigarette tax increases in other states, Indiana's $2.00 increase is expected to lead to a meaningful decline in cigarette sales and smoking rates.

During the 2025 Indiana legislative session House Bill 1468 was passed, allowing temporary cigar sales at events through a supplemental cigar certificate. The bill includes a provision allowing proprietors to establish separate cigar rooms if allowed by local authorities. This type of provision provides the tobacco industry with more avenues for tobacco sales and consumption. It also adds even more confusion to Indiana's weak statewide smokefree workplace law.

Indiana can reach the above listed goals by expanding Indiana's current smokefree law to include all workplaces, casinos, multi-unit housing, bars, and outdoor public areas. The updated law should also include e-cigarettes and other vapor products to protect against secondhand aerosol exposure. Local governments should also continue to be allowed to adopt stronger clean indoor air ordinances as well.

Although Indiana has seen some recent success related to current tobacco use rates, there is still work to be done. The 2024 Indiana Youth Tobacco Survey shows current tobacco use declined in 2024 among both middle and high school youth. The overall decline in tobacco use can be attributed to the decrease in e-cigarette use; however, the use of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and cigars have also decreased in recent years. Indiana's current high school tobacco use rate is 5.8% down from 23% in 2012. Our current middle tobacco use rate is down to 3.4% from 6.6% back in 2012.

Public health should be protected from tobacco industry interference. Legislators must support evidence-based policies that prioritize health over industry interests. Cross sectional coalitions- health, education, business, and faith must continue to advocate collectively for public health first legislation. Indiana must continue to invest in tobacco prevention and cessation programs by expanding Quitline services and community-based programs.