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.