Relating to: hunting of sandhill cranes, programs related to sandhill crane damage, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 117 establishes a permit system for hunting sandhill cranes in the state, requiring hunters to have both a small game license and a specific sandhill crane permit. It creates a $1.875 million annual program to reimburse landowners for crop damage caused by sandhill cranes and allocates 50% of permit fees to fund crane population management and hunter education. The bill also sets up a points-based preference system for permit applications when demand exceeds supply and requires the department to set seasonal limits and protected zones to minimize unintended harm to other birds or endangered species. This directly affects hunters, landowners dealing with wildlife damage, and state wildlife agencies managing the program.