MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2003 Regular Session

To: Judiciary B

By: Representative Ellington

House Bill 1052

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT THE HARASSING USE OF LASER POINTING DEVICES; TO PROHIBIT POSSESSION BY MINORS; TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  (1)  It shall be unlawful for a person intentionally and without legal justification to focus, point, or aim a laser beam directly or indirectly at another person or animal in such a manner as to harass, annoy, or injure such person or animal.

     (2)  It shall be unlawful for a person under eighteen (18) years of age to possess a laser pointing device unless the possession of such device is necessary for his or her education, employment, trade or occupation and it is necessary that such device be carries on his or her person.

     (3)  Violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punishable with a fine not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00).  If a laser beam is intentionally pointed at a law enforcement officer or fire fighter who is identifiable in uniform and in performance of his or her duties, then the fine shall not exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1000.00).

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2003.