Senate Bill 2597

(As Passed the Senate)

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT FOCUSING OF A LASER BEAM WHEN DIRECTED AT A PERSON OR ANIMAL; TO RESTRICT POSSESSION BY CERTAIN MINORS; TO ENACT PENALTIES THEREFOR; 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 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 carried on his or her person.

(3) (a) Violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor and, except as provided in paragraph (b), shall be punishable with a fine not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00).

(b) If a laser beam is intentionally pointed at a law enforcement officer or firefighter who is identifiable and in uniform and in performance of the officer's or firefighter's duties, then the fine shall not exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00).

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.