| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Positive |
Relating to the punishment for the criminal offense of use of laser
pointers; increasing a criminal penalty.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Under current law it is a Class C misdemeanor to knowingly direct a light from a laser pointer at a uniformed safety officer. HB would enhance this to a third degree felony if the officer suffers serious bodily injury.
Texas Action supports HB 2746 on the principle of limited government. We are generally very skeptical of penalty enhancements that jump from a low-level misdemeanor to a serious felony. However, in this case, the knowing and intentional use of a laser pointer to cause serious bodily injury to a police officer is a reckless act of lawlessness that harms not only the officer but the safety and security of citizens who are deprived of the service of that officer. This is an act that borders on insurrection and is deserving of a far more serious penalty than that carried by a Class A misdemeanor.