| 1 | A bill to be entitled |
| 2 | An act relating to the misuse of laser lighting devices; |
| 3 | amending s. 784.062, F.S.; revising the definition of |
| 4 | "laser lighting device"; providing that any person who |
| 5 | knowingly and willfully aims a laser lighting device at a |
| 6 | person operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft |
| 7 | commits a felony of the third degree; providing that any |
| 8 | person who causes bodily harm while improperly pointing |
| 9 | the laser lighting device at the operator of a motor |
| 10 | vehicle, vessel, or aircraft commits a felony of the |
| 11 | second degree; providing penalties; providing an effective |
| 12 | date. |
| 13 |
|
| 14 | Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: |
| 15 |
|
| 16 | Section 1. Section 784.062, Florida Statutes, is amended |
| 17 | to read: |
| 18 | 784.062 Misuse of laser lighting devices.-- |
| 19 | (1) As used in subsection (2) this section, the term |
| 20 | "laser lighting device" means a hand-held device, not affixed to |
| 21 | a firearm, which emits a laser beam that is designed to be used |
| 22 | by the operator as a pointer or highlighter to indicate, mark, |
| 23 | or identify a specific position, place, item, or object. As used |
| 24 | in subsection (3), the term "laser lighting device" means any |
| 25 | device designed or used to amplify electromagnetic radiation by |
| 26 | stimulated emission. |
| 27 | (2) Any person who knowingly and willfully shines, points, |
| 28 | or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device at a law |
| 29 | enforcement officer, engaged in the performance of his or her |
| 30 | official duties, in such a manner that would cause a reasonable |
| 31 | person to believe that a firearm is pointed at him or her |
| 32 | commits a noncriminal violation, punishable as provided in s. |
| 33 | 775.083. |
| 34 | (3)(a) Any person who knowingly and willfully shines, |
| 35 | points, or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device on an |
| 36 | individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft |
| 37 | commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in |
| 38 | s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. |
| 39 | (b) Any person who knowingly and willfully shines, points, |
| 40 | or focuses the beam of a laser lighting device on an individual |
| 41 | operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft and such act |
| 42 | results in bodily injury commits a felony of the second degree, |
| 43 | punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. |
| 44 | Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2005. |