Rep. Smith hosts governor, first lady to celebrate a new law supporting Hoosier farmers, small businesses

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 13, 2026) – State Rep. Hunter Smith (R-Zionsville) recently hosted Gov. Mike Braun, First Lady Maureen Braun and others at WonderTree Farm in Zionsville to celebrate a new law he authored last session supporting Hoosier farmers and small businesses.

Smith said House Enrolled Act 1424 prevents over-regulation on Hoosier farmers and local vendors, giving them more freedom to sell their products and expanding access to affordable, homegrown food.

"Government should make it easier not harder for Hoosier farmers and local producers to grow, make and sell food for their communities," said Smith, a member of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. "This law supports local Indiana-made products, gives Hoosiers more choices at the local level and helps make homegrown food more accessible. It was great to celebrate this achievement right here on the farm with Gov. Braun, the First Lady and the legislators who helped bring this policy across the finish line."

Joining Smith at the farm were bill co-author, State Rep. Robb Greene (R-Shelbyville), and sponsors, State Sens. Gary Byrne (R-Byrneville) and Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon).

The legislation expands the ability of small farms and homestead vendors to sell products from their own properties. It clarifies labeling, handling, refrigeration, transportation and storage guidelines while effectively shielding small producers and consumers from government overreach. HEA 1424 is the nation’s strongest legislation in the food freedom space.

Smith said the law modernizes the regulatory process around locally produced food and will help expand Indiana’s local food economy, getting more healthy, homegrown products into the hands of Hoosiers. The law received bipartisan support and took effect on July 1, 2026.

To learn more about this new law and others passed during the 2026 legislative session, visit iga.in.gov.

-30-

State Rep. Hunter Smith (R-Zionsville) represents House District 24,
which includes portions of Boone and Hamilton counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

PHOTO CAPTION 1: State Rep. Hunter Smith (R-Zionsville) (second from right) joins Gov. Mike Braun (center) at WonderTree Farm in Zionsville on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, to celebrate House Enrolled Act 1424, a new law he authored supporting Hoosier farmers and small businesses. Joining Smith were law co-author State Rep. Robb Greene (R-Shelbyville) (far right), and sponsors State Sens. Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon) (far left) and Gary Byrne (second from left).

PHOTO CAPTION 2: State Rep. Hunter Smith (R-Zionsville) (right) joins Gov. Mike Braun (left) as he ceremonially signs House Enrolled Act 1424, a new law Smith authored supporting Hoosier farmers and small businesses, at WonderTree Farm in Zionsville on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.

PHOTO CAPTION 3: State Rep. Hunter Smith (R-Zionsville) (back, second from right) speaks to family members, state legislators and Gov. Mike Braun (back, far right) and First Lady Maureen Braun (front, far right) at his WonderTree Farm in Zionsville on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.