§ 21-1992. Short title – Penalties - Definitions.

A.  This section shall be known and may be cited as the “Laser Safety Act”.

B.  Any person who knowingly and maliciously projects a laser, as defined in this section, on or at a law enforcement officer without the consent of the officer while the officer is acting within the scope of the official duties of the officer shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).  Any person who commits a second or subsequent violation of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), a term of imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not more than six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

C.  As used in this section:

1.  “Laser” means any device that projects a beam or point of light by means of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation or a device that emits light which simulates the appearance of a laser; and

2.  “Law enforcement officer” means any police officer, peace officer, sheriff, deputy sheriff, correctional officer, probation or parole officer, emergency management employee, judge, magistrate, or any employee of a governmental agency who is authorized by law to engage in the investigation, arrest, prosecution, or supervision of the incarceration of any person for any violation of law and has statutory powers of arrest.

Added by Laws 2000, c. 32, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2000.