By Tillery H.B. No. 943 76R4792 BDH-D A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1-1 AN ACT 1-2 relating to regulation of the use of laser pointers; providing a 1-3 criminal penalty. 1-4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: 1-5 SECTION 1. Chapter 42, Penal Code, is amended by adding 1-6 Section 42.13 to read as follows: 1-7 Sec. 42.13. USE OF LASER POINTERS. (a) A person commits an 1-8 offense if the person knowingly directs a light from a laser 1-9 pointer at a uniformed safety officer, including a peace officer, 1-10 security guard, fire fighter, emergency medical service worker, or 1-11 other uniformed municipal, state, or federal officer. 1-12 (b) In this section, "laser pointer" means a device that 1-13 emits a visible light amplified by the stimulated emission of 1-14 radiation. 1-15 (c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor. 1-16 SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 1999. 1-17 SECTION 3. The importance of this legislation and the 1-18 crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an 1-19 emergency and an imperative public necessity that the 1-20 constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several 1-21 days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended.