Assembly Bill 979 establishes a requirement for individuals to obtain a cross-country ski permit to ski on state-owned land, with specific provisions for compliance and enforcement. Under the bill, skiers must either have a permit affixed to their ski or carry proof of a valid temporary permit receipt, which can be shown to Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials upon request. The bill outlines exceptions for vehicle admission areas and for individuals participating in organized events or holding a state trail pass. It also clarifies that a permit does not grant permission to ski in areas where such activity is prohibited.

The DNR is tasked with issuing both the cross-country ski permits and temporary receipts, with fees set at $40 for adults, $20 for children aged 12 and older, and free for those 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 the department to create rules governing these agents' activities.