Gov. Braun strengthens Indiana’s competitiveness with China, establishes safeguards against foreign adversaries

Indiana Governor Mike Braun Thursday ceremonially signed two bills into law to protect Hoosiers, strengthen state oversight, and ensure Indiana remains competitive in the face of growing threats from foreign adversaries.

Senate Enrolled Act 256 establishes new safeguards against foreign influence in Indiana, including registration requirements for certain foreign agents, restrictions on prohibited foreign entities in state contracts, and additional protections related to higher education programs and real property ownership.

Senate Enrolled Act 185 strengthens Indiana’s oversight of tobacco and e-cigarette products, including new requirements for sales certificates and enhanced enforcement authority for the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. The law also targets the sale of potentially unsafe foreign-produced vaping products entering the U.S. market.

“We are taking action to protect Indiana from foreign adversaries trying to gain influence here at home, and from dangerous foreign-produced vaping products from entering the U.S. market. These laws make sure Indiana is competing from a position of strength and putting Hoosiers first.” – Governor Mike Braun

SEA 256 creates a comprehensive framework to address foreign influence and security risks at the state level. The law requires certain individuals acting on behalf of foreign adversaries—including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran—to register with the state, and establishes guardrails to ensure taxpayer-funded contracts and public institutions are protected.

SEA 185 ensures that businesses selling tobacco and e-cigarette products meet clear standards and gives the state stronger tools to crack down on repeat violations. The law also reflects growing concerns about foreign-produced vaping products, particularly those linked to China, entering the market without adequate oversight.

Together, these two laws are part of Governor Braun’s agenda to keep Hoosiers safe, and to protect Indiana from threats from foreign adversaries.