HBA-NMO H.B. 943 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 943 By: Tillery Criminal Jurisprudence 4/5/99 Introduced BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Current law provides no penalty for the direction of light from a laser pointer at a uniformed safety officer. Laser pointers have been found to mimic sighting lasers on firearms. If an officer cannot distinguish between the two sources, dangerous situations may arise. H.B. 943 provides that a person commits a Class C misdemeanor if the person knowingly directs a light from a laser pointer at a uniformed safety officer, including a peace officer, security guard, fire fighter, emergency medical service worker, or other uniformed municipal, state, or federal officer. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. 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. Provides that a person commits a Class C misdemeanor if the person knowingly directs a light from a laser pointer at a uniformed safety officer, including a peace officer, security guard, fire fighter, emergency medical service worker, or other uniformed municipal, state, or federal officer. Defines "laser pointer" as a device that emits a visible light amplified by the stimulated emission of radiation. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.