§ 23-1-39.1 - Laser pointing device.
SECTION 23-1-39.1
§ 23-1-39.1 Laser pointing device. –(a) For purposes of this section, "laser pointing device" means any hand helddevice that emits light amplified by the stimulated emission of radiation whichis visible to the human eye.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to focus, point, orshine a laser beam on another person or an animal in a manner that is intendedto alarm, annoy, harass, or harm the person or animal.
(c) No person, firm, corporation, or association shall sell,offer to sell, lease, give, or otherwise provide a laser pointing device to anyperson under eighteen (18) years of age.
(d) No person, firm, corporation, or association engaged inthe sale of laser pointing devices shall display, hold, store, or offer forsale laser pointing devices unless these devices are securely contained withina sealed or locked case, or located behind a service counter, or stored in anyother manner which restricts access to the laser pointing devices by customersand/or the general public.
(e) Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (b)or any person, firm, corporation, or association who violates subsection (c) ofthis section shall, upon a first conviction, be deemed guilty of a violationand fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500), and upon a second orsubsequent conviction, shall be deemed guilty of a petty misdemeanor and finednot more than five hundred dollars ($500) and/or imprisoned for not more thansix (6) months. Any person, firm, corporation, or association who violates theprovisions of subsection (d) shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars($100).
(f) This section shall not apply to members of the RhodeIsland state police or to members of any city or town police department or anystate or federal law enforcement officer in the performance of their officialduties.