Introduced By: Senators Cicilline, Paiva Weed, Goodwin, Connors and DaPonte
Date Introduced : January 20, 1999
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 23-1 of the General Laws entitled "Department of Health" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
{ADD 23-1-39.1. Laser Pointing Device. -- ADD} {ADD (a) For purposes of this section the term "Laser Pointing Device" means any hand-held device that emits light amplified by the stimulated emission of radiation which is visible to the human eye. ADD}
{ADD (b) It shall be unlawful for any person to focus, point or shine a laser beam on another person or an animal in such a manner as is intended to alarm, annoy, harass or harm the person or animal. ADD}
{ADD (c) No person, firm, corporation or association shall sell, offer to sell, lease, give or otherwise provide a laser pointing device to any person under eighteen (18) years of age. ADD}
{ADD (d) No person, firm, corporation or association engaged in the sale of laser pointing devices shall display, hold, store or offer for sale such laser pointing devices unless these devices are securely contained within a sealed or locked case, or located behind a service counter, or stored in any other manner which restricts access to the laser pointing devices by customers and/or the general public. ADD}
{ADD (e) Any person who violates the provisions of section (b) or any person, firm, corporation or association who violates section (c) of this section shall, upon a first conviction, be deemed guilty of a violation and fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) and upon a second or subsequent conviction, shall be deemed guilty of a petty misdemeanor and fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) and/or imprisoned for not more than six (6) months. Any person, firm, corporation or association who violates the provisions of section (d) shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars ($100.00). ADD}
{ADD(f) This section shall not apply to members of the Rhode Island State Police or to members of any city or town police department or any state or federal law enforcement officer in the performance of their official duties.ADD}
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect {DELupon passageDEL} {ADD October 1, 1999ADD}.
