You Won't Believe What Governor Gordon Just Signed into Law—This Could Change Everything for 2026!

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — In a significant move for maternal healthcare in Wyoming, Governor Mark Gordon recently signed the first bill of the 2026 Budget Session into law. The bill, known as HEA0001 HB0004 or the "Birthing Centers – Medicaid Coverage" bill, aims to enhance the accessibility of maternity care for expectant mothers across the state.

This new legislation allows Medicaid coverage for services provided at birthing centers, which are crucial, especially in rural areas where traditional hospital facilities may be inaccessible. Governor Gordon emphasized the importance of this measure, stating, “I am pleased to sign my first bill today. HEA0001 helps our expectant mothers. And supporting life does not end with words; it requires action.” He further highlighted that “there are rural areas in Wyoming where accessing maternity care is a real challenge” and deemed the bill a “common-sense step” in improving maternal healthcare access.

The implications of this legislation are profound. By facilitating Medicaid coverage at birthing centers, Wyoming provides a critical financial support system that can keep these facilities operational. This is particularly important in a state where pregnant mothers often face significant challenges in finding adequate maternity care. The governor's office noted that "healthy beginnings matter," underscoring the belief that investing in mothers and babies is an investment in the future of Wyoming.

In addition to the birthing center bill, Governor Gordon signed several other pieces of legislation on the same day, including:

• HEA0002 HB0005 - Oil and gas bonding pool-investment and earnings
• HEA0003 HB0034 - Firefighters-retirement plans
• HEA0004 HB0035 - Firefighters – paid leave and hazard pay
• SEA0002 SF0018 - Attendance of students in K-12 schools
• SEA0003 SF0031 - Uniform mortgage modification act
• SEA0004 SF0047 - Increase of Hathaway scholarship awards
• SEA0005 SF0030 - Elections-voter registration revisions
• SEA0006 SF0024 - Lottery tickets-acceptance of debit card payments
• SEA0007 SF0011 - Burials of indigent veterans-amendments
• SEA0008 SF0008 - Absconding for criminal purposes-criminal offense
• SEA0009 SF0007 - Theft amendments
• SEA0010 SF0005 - Hospital bankruptcy proceedings
• SEA0012 SF0006 - Eligibility for Medicaid-criteria
• SEA0013 SF0009 - Fentanyl to minors-enhanced penalty
• SEA0014 SF0017 - Good neighbor authority-amendments
• SEA0015 SF0032 - 911 funding
• SEA0016 SF0052 - 2026 large project funding
• SEA0017 SF0068 - Water districts-funds for maintenance projects
• SEA0018 SF0079 - Sales and use tax reorganization
• SEA0019 SF0080 - Department of revenue-electronic communication
• SEJR0001 SJ0001 - State management-federal mineral leases

The full text of all bills from the 2026 Budget Session can be accessed through the Wyoming Legislator’s website, providing transparency and insight into the state’s legislative priorities.

The signing of these bills marks a proactive step toward addressing key issues in Wyoming's healthcare and economic sectors. As the state continues to grapple with the unique challenges posed by its vast rural landscape, these legislative measures reflect a commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents, especially in areas where healthcare access remains limited.