§37.3.  Unlawful use of a laser on a police officer

A.  Unlawful use of a laser on a police officer is the intentional projection of a laser on or at a police officer without consent of the officer when the offender has reasonable grounds to believe the officer is a police officer acting in the performance of his duty and that the officer will be injured, intimidated, or placed in fear of bodily harm.

B.  For purposes of this Section the following terms have the following meanings:

(1)  "Laser" means any device that projects a beam or point of light by means of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation or any device that emits light which simulates the appearance of a laser.

(2)  "Police officer" shall include commissioned police officers, sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, marshals, deputy marshals, correctional officers, constables, wildlife enforcement agents, and probation and parole officers.

C.  Whoever commits the crime of unlawful use of a laser on a police officer shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.

Acts 1999, No. 1076, §1.