SB 1680 Summary

• Requires persons operating motorized watercraft on public waters to complete an approved boating safety course or pass an equivalency exam and obtain a certificate, with phased implementation by age group over three years.

• Exempts non-residents temporarily using public waters for 60 days or less, Coast Guard license holders, Canadian certificate holders, persons under supervised training, and those with valid rental agreements.

• Prohibits children under 12 years old from operating motorized watercraft unless accompanied and directly supervised by someone at least 18 years old who also meets safety requirements.

• Establishes penalties including Class 3 misdemeanor charges for forging or falsifying certificates, and petty offense charges for failing to present required certificates, with option for courts to suspend fines if person completes the safety course.

• Requires motorized watercraft rental businesses to verify operators meet safety requirements, list authorized operators on rental agreements, provide safety summaries and instructions, and may use safety checklists requiring operator acknowledgment.