Sec. 42.14. ILLUMINATION OF AIRCRAFT BY INTENSE LIGHT. (a) A person commits an offense if:
(1) the person intentionally directs a light from a laser pointer or other light source at an aircraft; and
(2) the light has an intensity sufficient to impair the operator's ability to control the aircraft.
(b) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the actor was using the light to send an emergency distress signal.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor unless the intensity of the light impairs the operator's ability to control the aircraft, in which event the offense is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) If conduct that constitutes an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under any other law, the actor may be prosecuted under this section or the other law.
(e) In this section, "laser pointer" has the meaning assigned by Section 42.13.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 680 (H.B. 1586), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 9 - Offenses Against Public Order and Decency
Chapter 42 - Disorderly Conduct and Related Offenses
Section 42.01. Disorderly Conduct
Section 42.03. Obstructing Highway or Other Passageway
Section 42.04. Defense When Conduct Consists of Speech or Other Expression
Section 42.05. Disrupting Meeting or Procession
Section 42.055. Funeral Service Disruptions
Section 42.06. False Alarm or Report
Section 42.0601. False Report to Induce Emergency Response
Section 42.061. Silent or Abusive Calls to 9-1-1 Service
Section 42.062. Interference With Emergency Request for Assistance
Section 42.08. Abuse of Corpse
Section 42.09. Cruelty to Livestock Animals
Section 42.091. Attack on Assistance Animal
Section 42.092. Cruelty to Nonlivestock Animals
Section 42.11. Destruction of Flag
Section 42.12. Discharge of Firearm in Certain Municipalities