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H.R. 2893House116th Congress (2019-2021)In Committee

Boater Protection from Laser Pointers Act

Sponsored by Harley RoudaRep. Harley Rouda (D-CA)
Introduced May 22, 2019

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 14, 2026 at 5:31 AM UTC

The Boater Protection from Laser Pointers Act adds a new provision to the maritime law that makes it illegal to point a laser pointer at any vessel operating on U.S. navigable waters. The goal is to protect boaters and vessel crews from the hazards of laser beams. The rule applies to anyone using a laser pointer, except certain government personnel acting in official research or training capacities.

Key Provisions

  • It becomes unlawful to cause the beam of a laser pointer to strike a vessel on navigable waters.
  • The prohibition does not apply to members or elements of the Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security when they are acting in an official capacity for research, development, operations, testing, or training.
  • The bill defines a “laser pointer” as any device that emits a directed beam of amplified electromagnetic radiation intended for use as a pointer or highlighter.

Legislative Activity

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2 earlier actions
HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee

May 23, 2019

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

May 22, 2019

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

May 22, 2019

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee

May 23, 2019

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued May 22, 2019

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.

.