AZ SB1679

Requires persons operating motorized watercraft on public waters to obtain a boating safety education certificate or pass an equivalency exam approved by a national association of boating law administrators and the Arizona Department.

Implements a phased compliance timeline: persons under 20 years old must comply one year after enactment, persons under 30 years old within two years, and persons 30 and older within three years.

Provides exemptions for holders of U.S. Coast Guard vessel operator licenses, Canadian marine certificates, non-residents temporarily using public waters for 60 days or less, and persons operating under supervised training.

Establishes penalties including Class 3 misdemeanor charges for forging or falsifying certificates, and petty offense charges for failing to present required documentation; courts may suspend fines if defendants complete the approved safety course.

Requires motorized watercraft rental and lease businesses to verify renters meet safety requirements, list authorized operators on rental agreements, and provide renters with a summary of boating statutes and safety instructions before operation.