MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2003 Regular Session
To: Judiciary
By: Senator(s) Hamilton, White
AN ACT TO CREATE THE GARY FUNCHESS ACT; TO PROHIBIT FOCUSING OF A LASER BEAM WHEN DIRECTED AT AN ON-DUTY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, FIRE FIGHTER OR ANY EMERGENCY PERSONNEL; TO ENACT PENALTIES THEREFOR; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the Gary Funchess Act.
SECTION 2. (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 a law enforcement officer, fire fighter or any emergency personnel who is in uniform and engaged in the performance of official duty in such a manner as to harass, annoy or injure such law enforcement officer, fire fighter or emergency personnel.
(2) A person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00).
SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.