Assembly Bill 980 establishes a new requirement for individuals traveling by bicycle on groomed mountain biking trails or other designated trails on state-owned land. Under this bill, cyclists must either have a bicycling permit visibly affixed to their bicycle or carry proof of a valid temporary bicycle permit receipt, which must be presented to Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials or law enforcement upon request. The bill outlines exceptions for those participating in organized events or possessing a trail pass, and it clarifies that the permit does not grant access to areas where bicycling is prohibited.

The DNR is tasked with issuing both the bicycling permits and temporary receipts, with fees set at $40 for adults, $20 for children aged 12 and older, and free for children under 12. Additionally, a 75-cent issuing fee applies to permits for individuals aged 12 and older, with agents authorized to retain a portion of this fee as compensation. The bill also includes provisions for the DNR to appoint non-employee agents to assist in the issuance of permits and receipts, and it allows for the creation of rules governing these agents' activities.