SRC-TAG H.B. 831 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 831
78R4284 EMT-FBy: Reyna (Deuell)
Criminal Justice
5/22/2003
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Current law provides no penalty for the directing of light from a laser
pointer at a uniformed safety officer.  Laser pointers mimic sighting
lasers on firearms, which may cause an officer to act as if his or her
life is in danger.  H.B. 831 provides that a person who knowingly directs
light from a laser pointer at a uniformed safety officer commits a Class C
misdemeanor. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly 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.  (a)  Provides that a person commits
an offense if the person knowingly directs a light from a laser pointer at
a uniformed safety officer, including a peace officer, security guard,
firefighter, emergency medical service worker, or other uniformed
municipal, state, or federal officer. 

 (b)  Defines "laser pointer." 
 
 (c)  Provides that an offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

SECTION 2.  Effective date: September 1, 2003.