Wyoming House Passes Corner Crossing Bill, Sends to State Senate

Measure codifies 10th Circuit Court decision allowing crossing between public land parcels at corners

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Wyoming House of Representatives has passed House Bill 19, which clarifies that corner crossing - moving from one parcel of public land to another at the corner without touching private property - is legal. The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. The measure was amended to prohibit corner crossing by vehicle or animal, requiring it to be done only on foot. Some lawmakers expressed concerns about the bill's scope and potential impacts on private property owners, but supporters argued it provides clear guidelines for law enforcement.

Why it matters

The issue of corner crossing has been a longstanding point of contention between outdoor enthusiasts and private landowners in Wyoming. The 10th Circuit Court previously ruled that corner crossing is legal, but this bill aims to codify that decision into state law and provide parameters around the practice.

The details

House Bill 19 was passed by the Wyoming House of Representatives on a vote of 32-28, despite objections from some lawmakers. The bill was amended to limit corner crossing to foot traffic only, prohibiting the use of vehicles or animals. Supporters argued the bill provides clarity for law enforcement, while opponents raised concerns about the bill's broad scope and potential impacts on private property owners. The Senate will now consider the measure in a future session.

  • On February 19, 2026, the Wyoming House of Representatives passed House Bill 19 on the third and final reading.
  • Earlier in February 2026, the House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee voted to advance House Bill 19.

The players

JD Williams

A Republican representative from District 2 (Goshen, Niobrara, Weston) who introduced an amendment to delete House Bill 19 in its entirety, effectively killing the measure.

Andrew Byron

A Republican representative from District 22 (Lincoln, Teton) who chairs the House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee and said House Bill 19 simply provides law enforcement with clear guidelines for when a person is guilty of criminal trespass while crossing the checkerboard.

Pam Thayer

A Republican representative from HD-15 (Carbon, Sweetwater) who proposed the amendment to limit corner crossing to foot traffic only.

Marilyn Connolly

A Republican representative from District 40 (Johnson, Sheridan) who said her constituents remain concerned about fence damage as more people travel to previously inaccessible public-land parcels.

Robert Wharff

A Republican representative from Uinta County who said GPS technology is imprecise and doesn't prevent trespassing on private property, and the bill does not specify who would be responsible for conducting more accurate surveys.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in Wyoming.”

— JD Williams, Representative (bigfoot99.com)

“Whether Representative Williams agrees with the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals or not, corner crossing is now legal. House Bill 19 simply provides law enforcement with clear guidelines for when a person is guilty of criminal trespass while crossing the checkerboard.”

— Andrew Byron, Representative, Chair of House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee (bigfoot99.com)

“House Bill 19 is not going to satisfy everyone, but I view it as a step in the right direction.”

— Pam Thayer, Representative (bigfoot99.com)

“Without accurate mapping, wildlife officers will be called to mediate between sportsmen and landowners.”

— Robert Wharff, Representative (bigfoot99.com)

“The Supreme Court, by agreeing not to hear the case, has made corner crossing legal. Wyoming's outdoor enthusiasts, landowners, and law enforcement will be at odds if the state fails to put its own laws in place.”

— Julie Jarvis, Representative (bigfoot99.com)

What’s next

The corner crossing bill will now be considered by the Wyoming State Senate in a future legislative session.

The takeaway

This bill highlights the ongoing tensions between outdoor enthusiasts and private landowners in Wyoming over the issue of corner crossing. While the measure aims to provide clarity, it remains a contentious issue that the state legislature will need to continue working to resolve through collaboration and compromise.