SRC-DPW H.B. 943 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 943
76R4792 BDH-DBy: Tillery (West)
Criminal Justice
5/13/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Current law provides no penalty for the direction of light from a laser
pointer at a uniformed safety officer. Laser pointers have been found to
mimic sighting lasers on firearms. If an officer cannot distinguish between
the two sources, dangerous situations may arise.   H.B. 943 provides that a
person commits a Class C misdemeanor if the person knowingly directs a
light from a laser pointer at a uniformed safety officer, including a peace
officer, security guard, fire fighter, emergency medical service worker, or
other uniformed municipal, state, or federal officer.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 943 creates an offense for certain uses of laser pointers.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 42, Penal Code, by adding Section 42.13, as
follows:  

Sec. 42.13. USE OF LASER POINTERS. Provides that a person commits a Class C
misdemeanor if the person knowingly directs a light from a laser pointer at
a uniformed safety officer, including a peace officer, security guard, fire
fighter, emergency medical service worker, or other uniformed municipal,
state, or federal officer. Defines "laser pointer." 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.