HBA-NMO H.B. 943 76(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 943
By: Tillery
Criminal Jurisprudence
4/5/99
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

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. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

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" as a device
that emits a visible light amplified by the stimulated emission of
radiation. 

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 1999.

SECTION 3.  Emergency clause.