Committee adds rock climbing explicitly to recreation‑use liability protections, advances HB73

The House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee voted to advance House Bill 73, a measure that would explicitly add "rock climbing" to the list of recreational activities covered by Wyoming's Recreational Safety Act and landowner liability protections for noncommercial, no‑fee access to private property.

Sponsor Rep. Lloyd Larson told the committee the insertion is intended to clarify that modern rock‑climbing activities are covered separately from "mountain climbing," and to reassure landowners who permit access that they will not assume new legal exposure. The committee advanced the bill on a roll call vote of 8 ayes and one member excused.

Why it matters: Committee members and witnesses said naming the activity can reduce landowner hesitation to allow climbing access, support outdoor recreation and local economies, and help disperse pressure from public lands. Witnesses described climbing as an established recreational activity that already falls within the purpose of the state's liability protections; supporters said explicit mention removes ambiguity for landowners and recreational groups.

Public testimony: Representatives of climbing organizations and recreation advocates supported the bill. - Katie Goodwin, western regional director for Access Fund, said the organization "is very much in support of" adding rock climbing and noted other states have taken similar steps. - Chelsea Roode of the Central Wyoming Climbers Alliance highlighted a 2021 local economic study showing climbing brought roughly $4.5 million annually to Lander and said clearer liability language could expand access and local economic benefits. - Charlie Thomas of the Teton Climbers Coalition said naming climbing would "help land owners to feel free to share their land."

State perspective: Chris Floyd, deputy director of State Parks and Cultural Resources, told the committee the department regularly fields inquiries from landowners about liability when they permit recreation on private land and that explicitly listing rock climbing "does make sense" given the activity's evolution and distinguishing it from mountaineering.

Legal and drafting notes: Several commenters urged the committee to avoid repeatedly amending the statute by adding single sports every session; Lawyers and Advocates for Wyoming suggested using broader drafting language such as "commonly understood sporting activities" to avoid future piecemeal additions. Committee members indicated they will consider that drafting approach in future sessions but advanced the bill as written.

Votes and next steps: Representative Wharfe moved the bill and Representative Provenza seconded. The roll call was 8 ayes, 0 no, 1 excused. The committee advanced the bill to the next stage.

The committee emphasized the bill would not require landowners to allow access; it only provides legal protection for voluntary, noncommercial permission. Members also discussed distinguishing commercial uses (which may carry different liability considerations) from noncommercial, no‑fee access.

Representative Larson said he will accept future committee amendments to refine language if the committee and stakeholders prefer a broader, catchall drafting approach rather than enumerating individual activities.