13-1213. Aiming a laser pointer at a peace officer or an occupied aircraft; classification; definitions

A. A person commits aiming a laser pointer at a peace officer if the person intentionally or knowingly directs the beam of light from a laser pointer or laser emitting device at another person and the person knows or reasonably should know that the other person is a peace officer.

B. A person commits aiming a laser pointer at an occupied aircraft if the person intentionally or knowingly directs the beam of light from a laser pointer or laser emitting device at an aircraft and the person knows or reasonably should know that the aircraft is occupied.

C. Aiming a laser pointer at a peace officer is a class 1 misdemeanor.

D. Aiming a laser pointer at an occupied aircraft is a class 1 misdemeanor. If the act renders the pilot unable to safely operate the aircraft or causes serious physical injury to any person on board the aircraft it is an assault pursuant to this chapter.

E. For the purposes of this section:

1. " Aircraft" means any vehicle that is designed for flight in the air by buoyancy or by the dynamic action of air on the vehicle's surfaces, including powered airplanes, gliders and helicopters.

2. " Laser pointer or laser emitting device" means any device that is designed or used to amplify electromagnetic radiation by stimulated emission that emits a beam designed to be used by the operator as a pointer or highlighter to indicate, mark or identify a specific position, place, item or object.