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SB 109

AN ACT relating to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and declaring an emergency.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julie Adams

SB 109 aims to clarify and expand Kentucky ABC’s authority over licensing, enforcement, and operations, with emergency provisions for immediate effect.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 109

Summary of SB 109 (2026 Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

SB 109 is an act relating to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and declaring an emergency. The bill appears aimed at clarifying, reorganizing, or extending the authority and operations of Kentucky’s ABC, with provisions that may affect licensing processes, enforcement, and related policy tools. The designation of an emergency suggests the bill seeks immediate effect upon enactment to address a pressing regulatory or public safety concern tied to alcohol control and revenue administration.

Key provisions (as typically associated with ABC-related reform bills)

Note: The text below reflects common elements found in similar ABC-related measures and the bill’s title and status. The precise statutory language should be consulted for exact obligations and authorities.

  • Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) oversight and powers

    • May modify or specify the scope of ABC authority in licensing, compliance, enforcement, and compliance audits.
    • Could redefine agency responsibilities or reorganize internal structure to improve efficiency or accountability.

  • Licensing processes and criteria

    • Potential changes to application procedures, licensure timelines, fees, or renewal requirements for alcoholic beverage establishments (e.g., retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, on-premise and off-premise licensees).
    • Possible updates to eligibility criteria, background checks, or public notice requirements.

  • Enforcement and penalties

    • Likening or increasing penalties for violations of Kentucky alcohol laws, or clarifying enforcement procedures by ABC.
    • May address temporary suspensions, revocation standards, or compliance audits.

  • Emergency provision

    • The act includes a declaration of emergency, which typically allows for immediate effect and may suspend certain procedural delays (e.g., expedited licensing, immediate rules or waivers) to respond to urgent conditions affecting public health, safety, or economic impact related to alcohol regulation.

  • Revenue and fiscal provisions

    • Possible adjustments to licensing fees, fines, or transfer of funds within state accounts to support ABC operations or related public programs.

  • Administrative and housekeeping changes

    • Clarifications of terminology, cross-references to other statutes, or minor statutory updates to align with current regulatory practices.

Who would be affected

  • Licensed alcohol beverage manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and on-/off-premises licensees: Changes to licensing processes, fees, or compliance rules could directly impact their operations.
  • ABC employees and the agency: Revisions to governance, procedures, and enforcement could affect day-to-day operations and staffing.
  • Local governments and applicants: If the bill alters local notification, appeal processes, or license allocation, local jurisdictions may experience procedural adjustments.
  • General public and public safety stakeholders: Enforcement and compliance changes could influence the regulatory environment around alcohol sale and distribution.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: January 20, 2026 (Senate)
  • Referral: January 20, 2026 – Licensing & Occupations Committee (S); and Committee on Committees (S) referenced in initial routing
  • Emergency status: The bill declares an emergency, which typically means immediate effect upon passage and signature, potentially altering standard implementation timelines and permitting faster regulatory changes.

Notes and considerations

  • The description above reflects the bill’s labeling and typical content pattern for ABC-related legislation. For precise provisions (section-by-section language, exact changes to statutes, and specific emergency mechanisms), the full text of SB 109 as enacted should be reviewed.
  • Readers should watch for amendments during committee consideration that could modify scope, fiscal impact, or implementation dates.

If you’d like, I can draft a more detailed section-by-section breakdown once the official bill text is available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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