Can cities regulate or restrict the sale or use of laser pointers?
The Washington legislature enacted Ch. 9A.49 (Ch 180 Laws of 1999) relating to the unlawful discharge of lasers. The legislation creates the crimes of unlawful discharge of a laser in the first and second degree when a person knowingly and maliciously discharges a laser at law enforcement personnel, pilots, fire personnel, or persons operating buses. It also makes these crimes a civil infraction for juveniles who have never before committed either offense. The decision of whether or not to regulate the use of laser pointers is a local policy decision. Some cities in the United States have passed ordinances prohibiting the use of laser pointers in certain ways. There are documented health concerns (retinal damage to young children from staring into them) and public safety concerns (the point of laser light is apparently identical to the point of light emitted by a laser gunsight). The use of laser pointers has apparently also caused nuisance problems at sporting events and concerts. Any
Reviewed: 07/10 The Washington legislature enacted Ch. 9A.49 (Ch 180 Laws of 1999) relating to the unlawful discharge of lasers. The legislation creates the crimes of unlawful discharge of a laser in the first and second degree when a person knowingly and maliciously discharges a laser at law enforcement personnel, pilots, fire personnel, or persons operating buses. It also makes these crimes a civil infraction for juveniles who have never before committed either offense. The decision of whether or not to regulate the use of laser pointers is a local policy decision. Some cities in the United States have passed ordinances prohibiting the use of laser pointers in certain ways. There are documented health concerns (retinal damage to young children from staring into them) and public safety concerns (the point of laser light is apparently identical to the point of light emitted by a laser gunsight). The use of laser pointers has apparently also caused nuisance problems at sporting events a
