Former Colt Gets Bills Signed

The governor recently ceremonially signed new laws co-authored and sponsored by State Rep. Hunter Smith (R-Zionsville) to expand teaching opportunities and cut red tape in K-12 education.

Smith said Senate Enrolled Act 204 expands pathways into teaching by granting eligibility to individuals who have a license to teach in a charter school to obtain an initial practitioner professional educator license. It also streamlines education-related reporting requirements to reduce bureaucracy and upholds religious freedom for health education students by allowing immunization exemptions.

“This new law opens the door for more Hoosiers to enter the teaching profession while cutting down on unnecessary paperwork,” said Smith, a member of the House Education Committee. “By expanding pathways into the classroom, we’re making it easier to recruit strong educators and focus more on student success.”

Additionally, House Enrolled Act 1004, a House Republican priority bill, builds on efforts from last year to cut outdated and unnecessary education regulations and give schools more control over local decisions, which allows teachers to better focus on students.

“By reducing burdensome regulations, we’re giving teachers more time to focus on instruction and empowering communities to make decisions that better reflect their unique needs,” Smith said. “This legislation puts more trust in our local schools and the educators who know their students best.”

Ceremonial bill signings showcase legislation passed during the 2026 session and are a way for lawmakers, stakeholders and those directly impacted to come together and reflect on how these new laws will benefit Hoosiers.

Smith, a former Indianapolis Colt, represents House District 24, which includes portions of Boone and Hamilton counties.