Indiana House of Representatives honored State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) last week for his service as he concludes his final session at the Statehouse.
Barrett has served House District 56, which includes Wayne County and portions of Henry County, since being elected in 2018.
“It has been a privilege to serve the people of House District 56 and work on meaningful solutions for all Hoosiers throughout Indiana,” Barrett said in a news release. “From improving health care transparency and combating surprise billing to supporting preventive care and strengthening public health, I am proud of what we have accomplished together.”
Barrett has focused on health care reform, public health, patient protection and community well-being. As chair of the House Public Health Committee, he authored and supported legislation aimed at lowering health care costs, increasing transparency and strengthening oversight of health care systems.
His statewide recognition includes the Sagamore of the Wabash Award and Legislator of the Year honors from Indiana State Medical Association.
Since taking office in 2018, Barrett’s work has included House Enrolled Act 1003, a comprehensive law to lower health care costs and improve access to care for Hoosiers. He also helped advance Senate Enrolled Act 2 and 118 which address Medicaid fraud prevention, 340B drug pricing transparency and prior authorization reform.
Barrett wrote HEA 1385 in 2024 to protect Hoosiers from surprise ambulance bills and sponsored legislation supporting the nursing workforce and rural emergency care.
Barrett also noted advancing policies to protect vulnerable Hoosiers, including HEA 1422 supporting dementia care, legislation establishing a statewide dementia plan and measures safeguarding patient visitation rights during public health emergencies.
“Brad has had a tremendous and lasting impact on health care policy in Indiana, guiding efforts to improve outcomes, reduce costs and expand access to high-quality care for Hoosiers,” said House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) in a news release. “He has led with integrity and advanced thoughtful, effective policy solutions, and he will be greatly missed in this chamber and by all who worked with him.”
As he retires from the Statehouse, Barrett will have more time to spend with his wife, Mary Ann, and their two children, Erin and Drew.
His community involvement includes serving on the boards of Reid Health Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County. He’s also supported local nonprofits such as Circle U Help Center, Communities in Schools of Wayne County and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.
A version of this article appeared in the February 11 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.