House and Senate make aircraft lasing a misdemeanor

The House and Senate have voted in favor of HB 1599, a bill that makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly shine a laser pointing device at an aircraft.

Supporters argue that aircraft lasing is increasing in frequency, and has the potential to seriously incapacitate pilots. Laser beams can temporarily blind pilots.

Opponents point out the difficulty locating someone pointing a laser at an aircraft. They argue that the issue would be better addressed by controlling the sale and possession of powerful lasers and educating the public about the potential harm to pilots.

Pointing a laser at an aircraft is already illegal at the federal level. In one recent case, a California man was sentenced to 14 years in prison for flashing helicopters with a powerful laser.