I 116th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2893 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 22, 2019 Mr. Rouda (for himself and Mr. Gibbs ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure A BILL To amend title 46, United States Code, to prohibit causing the beam of a laser pointer to strike a vessel operating on the navigable waters of the United States, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Boater Protection from Laser Pointers Act . 2. Aiming a laser pointer at a vessel (a) In general Subchapter II of chapter 700 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 70014. Aiming a laser pointer at a vessel (a) Prohibition It shall be unlawful to cause the beam of a laser pointer to strike a vessel operating on the navigable waters of the United States. (b) Exceptions This section shall not apply to a member or element of the Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security acting in an official capacity for the purpose of research, development, operations, testing, or training. (c) Laser pointer defined In this section the term laser pointer means any device 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. . (b) Clerical amendment The analysis for such chapter is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to such subchapter the following: 70014. Aiming a laser pointer at a vessel. .