Wyoming2026Did Not Pass

HB0079

Law About Water Rights and Legal Fees

Last scannedOct 6, 2026, 2:19 AM

In one sentence

This bill allows winning parties in water conveyance prescriptive easement cases to receive attorney fees and expert witness costs, clarifies the ten-year requirement for establishing a prescriptive easement, and sets applicability from July 1, 2026.

Allows courts to award reasonable attorney fees and expert witness fees to parties who substantially prevail in actions related to water conveyance prescriptive easements.
Clarifies that a prescriptive easement for water conveyance can be established if the use has been continuous and under claim of right for at least ten years.

This bill did not pass and was not signed into law.
It would apply only to cases filed on or after July 1, 2026, if it were enacted.

Plain language

Prescriptive easement: A legal right to use someone else's property, established by continuous and open use for a certain period of time without the owner's permission.
Water conveyance: The process or system used to transport water from one place to another.

Official record

Source checked

Public statements

Last checked Aug 2, 1:27 AM

Couldn't find a published reason.

Wyoming roll calls

1 roll call

H Failed Introduction 40-22-0-0-02026-02-09 · House40 yes 22 no

Official activity