H.B. 831 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 831
By: Reyna
Law Enforcement
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Current law provides no penalty for the direction 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.  House Bill 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

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS
  
House Bill 831 amends Chapter 42 of the Penal Code by adding Section
42.13, Use of Laser Pointers.  The bill creates an offense, punishable as
a Class C misdemeanor,  for knowingly directing light from a laser pointer
at a uniformed safety officer.  It provides that the term "safety officer"
includes  peace officers, security guards, firefighters, emergency medical
service workers, and other uniformed municipal, state, or federal
officers.  The bill defines a laser pointer as "a device that emits a
visible light amplified by the stimulated emission of radiation." 

EFFECTIVE DATE
 
This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.