H.B. No. 831




AN ACT

relating to regulation of the use of laser pointers; providing a 
criminal penalty.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.   Chapter 42, Penal Code, is amended by adding 
Section 42.13 to read as follows:
	Sec. 42.13.  USE OF LASER POINTERS.  (a)  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)  In this section, "laser pointer" means a device that 
emits a visible light amplified by the stimulated emission of 
radiation.
	(c)  An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.            
	SECTION 2.   This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.                          




______________________________              ______________________________
 
   President of the Senate                               Speaker of the House      

	I certify that H.B. No. 831 was passed by the House on April 
1, 2003, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House   

	I certify that H.B. No. 831 was passed by the Senate on May 
28, 2003, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Secretary of the Senate    



APPROVED:  _____________________                                            
 
                   Date                                                      




 
          _____________________                                          
 
                 Governor