| 1 | A bill to be entitled |
| 2 | An act relating to the misuse of laser lighting devices; |
| 3 | amending s. 784.062, F.S.; providing that any person who |
| 4 | knowingly and willingly aims a laser lighting device at a |
| 5 | person operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or airplane |
| 6 | commits a felony of the third degree; providing that any |
| 7 | person who causes bodily harm while improperly pointing |
| 8 | the laser lighting device at the operator of a motor |
| 9 | vehicle, vessel, or airplane commits a felony of the |
| 10 | second degree; providing penalties; providing an effective |
| 11 | date. |
| 12 |
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| 13 | Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: |
| 14 |
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| 15 | Section 1. Section 784.062, Florida Statutes, is amended |
| 16 | to read: |
| 17 | 784.062 Misuse of laser lighting devices.-- |
| 18 | (1) As used in this section, the term "laser lighting |
| 19 | device" means a hand-held device, not affixed to a firearm, |
| 20 | which emits a laser beam that is designed to be used by the |
| 21 | operator as a pointer or highlighter to indicate, mark, or |
| 22 | identify a specific position, place, item, or object. |
| 23 | (2) Any person who knowingly and willfully shines, points, |
| 24 | or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device at a law |
| 25 | enforcement officer, engaged in the performance of his or her |
| 26 | official duties, in such a manner that would cause a reasonable |
| 27 | person to believe that a firearm is pointed at him or her |
| 28 | commits a noncriminal violation, punishable as provided in s. |
| 29 | 775.083. |
| 30 | (3)(a) Any person who knowingly and willfully shines, |
| 31 | points, or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device on an |
| 32 | individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or airplane |
| 33 | commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in |
| 34 | s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. |
| 35 | (b) Any person who knowingly and willfully shines, points, |
| 36 | or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device on an individual |
| 37 | operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or airplane and such act |
| 38 | results in bodily injury commits a felony of the second degree, |
| 39 | punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. |
| 40 | Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2005. |