FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 27, 2026) — Bills authored by State Sen. Dan Dernulc (R-Highland) that would expand alcohol permits in specific areas of Indiana and expand efforts to prevent human trafficking and child grooming passed the Senate with bipartisan support today.
Senate Bill 89 would issue additional three-way alcohol permits to areas of Indiana including Schererville, Lafayette, West Lafayette, Delphi, Bloomington and within Michigan City's transit development districts – areas around transit or train stations designated to promote transit-oriented development. Allowing more full-service restaurants to move into these areas will help spur economic development and grow local community assets.
"When Senate Bill 89 was first heard, it only covered Schererville, and I am happy to say we have amended in a few more cities," Dernulc said. "Adding the few cities that needed the help to grow their local assets was important and more than welcome. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these new three-way permits will have in these areas."
Senate Bill 119 would add more specific facilities, locations, and events to the list of restricted places where convicted child predators cannot enter, attend or work. It would also provide that if a person repeatedly contacts a child about inappropriate sexual behavior or with intent to make the child less resistant to inappropriate sexual behavior in the future, that person has committed sexual grooming and will be charged accordingly.
"I brought Senate Bill 119 to better protect children from predators," Dernulc said. "I would like to thank organizations like Raindrops Rising and Fair Haven for their work and advocacy for victims in this space, and I would like to thank Michelle Peterson, who shared her and her son's story, all of who have helped shape this bill. It is the first step in the long process to better protect our young Hoosiers."
SB 89 and SB 119 will now move to the Indiana House of Representatives for further consideration.
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State Sen. Dan Dernulc (R-Highland) represents Senate District 1, which includes a portion of Lake County.
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Contact: Kristen Gorski, Press Secretary
Kristen.Gorski@iga.in.gov
317-232-9539
Cameron Fuesler, Multimedia Intern
Cameron.Fuesler@iga.in.gov
