Wyoming Enacts H.B.0122 to Expand Outdoor Recreation and Improve Health Outcomes

Overview

On March 6, 2026, Wyoming enacted H.B.0122, a bipartisan bill that directs a portion of the state’s funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program toward outdoor recreation, physical activity, and preventive health initiatives. The bill is a direct result of Wyoming receiving $205 million from the Rural Health Transformation Program, a federal program established in 2025 by H.R. 1 aimed at improving long-term health outcomes in rural communities. The new Wyoming law dedicates a share of this federal funding to projects that boost exercise, outdoor recreation, or nutrition.

• Why It Matters: Chronic diseases continue to drive healthcare costs nationwide, accounting for 90% of the United States’ $4.5 trillion in annual healthcare spending. In Wyoming, for example, approximately 42,000 adults have been diagnosed with diabetes, which alone costs the state’s residents an estimated $510 million annually. One-third of Wyoming’s residents live in healthcare deserts — areas lacking sufficient availability of medical services — making it the highest percentage of any state in the country. By investing in outdoor recreation, physical activity, and nutrition initiatives, Wyoming is recognizing the role that preventative health measures can play in reducing chronic disease risk and improving community health outcomes.

Key Components of the Bill

The Rural Health Transformation Program allows Wyoming to tailor federal healthcare transformation funding toward state-specific priorities. H.B.0122 establishes Wyoming’s framework for distributing this federal funding, with a focus on:

• Outdoor Recreation: The new law specifically mentions projects that demonstrate measurable participation increases in exercise, outdoor recreation, or evidence-based nutrition practices. Nearly 10% of the Program’s funds will be allocated as grants for Wyoming-based entities that prioritize these projects.
• Long-Term Funding Structure: Wyoming established the program as a perpetuity fund intended to provide sustained support for rural healthcare transformation initiatives over time.

National Context

States across the country are increasingly exploring preventative health and community wellness initiatives as strategies to address rising healthcare costs and chronic disease rates. Rural states in particular continue to face healthcare workforce shortages, provider access challenges, and higher rates of chronic diseases. Wyoming’s H.B.0122 reflects a broader trend toward recognizing how community health, recreation access, nutrition, and preventative care can both improve long-term health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

Stay Up to Date on Outdoor Policy With NCEL

To learn more about how states are investing in the outdoors as a health solution, explore NCEL’s Outdoors as a Health Solution Briefing Book. You can also stay up to date on outdoor engagement policy across the country by using NCEL’s Bill Tracking Map.