Change to Wyoming Law to Recognize Legality of Corner Crossing Clears Early Hurdles

CHEYENNE — A proposal that would clarify the legality of “corner crossing” in Wyoming advanced through its first legislative tests Monday, drawing a standing-room-only crowd and a sports-themed pep talk from its sponsor, longtime high school football coach and state Rep. Steve Harshman.

Addressing the packed committee room, the Casper Republican leaned on gridiron imagery to describe the path ahead for House Bill 25, likening the early procedural wins to moving the chains on fourth-and-short. “We’ve got a long field ahead of us,” Harshman told lawmakers and onlookers, “but today we picked up the first down.”

The bill seeks to statutorily affirm that stepping from one parcel of public land to another at an otherwise inaccessible four-corner intersection—an act known as corner crossing—does not constitute criminal trespass. Supporters argue the change simply codifies what they believe existing law already allows, while opponents, primarily private-land advocates, warn it could erode property rights.

After a brisk question-and-answer session, the measure cleared the House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee on a 7-2 vote. It now heads to the full House for further debate, where additional amendments and a final vote are expected later this week.