Whereas, the inappropriate use of laser pointers by directing them at people is increasing and poses a danger to health and safety; and

Whereas, the dangers include potential eye damage and fear that a person is being targeted by a weapon; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 17-A MRSA §1002-A is enacted to read:

§1002-A.__Criminal use of laser device

1.__A person is guilty of criminal use of a laser device if the person intentionally points the device at another person while it is emitting a laser beam.

2.__Criminal use of a laser device is a Class D crime.

3.__This section does not apply to the use of a laser device:

A.__For a purpose set forth in chapter 5; or

B.__By a person otherwise licensed or authorized to use a laser device by law.

For the purposes of this section, "laser" means light amplification by simulated emission of radiation.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill makes it a Class D crime for a person not authorized by law to intentionally point a laser device at another person. This prohibition of the use of laser devices is similar to provisions in current law pertaining to the use of