HB 2251
Initials LC/JH Page 1 Caucus & COW
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-fifth Legislature
Second Regular Session
House: JUD DP 6-3-1-0
HB 2251: lasers; assault; peace officers; penalty
Sponsor: Representative Finchem, LD 11
Caucus & COW
Overview
Modifies the classification of aggravated assault to include the use of a laser pointer against a
peace officer.
History
Generally, assault occurs when a person causes physical injury to another person, whether
intentionally or recklessly (A.R.S. § 13-1203). For sentencing and classification purposes, some
crimes have mitigating or aggravating circumstances that either increase or decrease the severity
of the crime. An assault committed against a peace officer is an aggravating circumstance,
therefore an assault on a peace officer is classified as aggravated assault (A.R.S. § 13-1204).
Aiming a laser pointer or laser emitting device at a peace officer is unlawful and constitutes a
class 1 misdemeanor. Statute defines laser pointer or laser emitting device as any device that is
designed or used to amplify electromagnetic radiation by stimulation emission that emits a beam
designed to be used by the operator as a pointer to indicate, mark or identify a specific place,
item or object (A.R.S. § 13-1213).
Provisions
1. States aggravated assault includes using a laser pointer or laser emitting device against a
peace officer. (Sec. 1)
2. Classifies the use of a laser pointer against a peace officer as the following:
a) Class 5 felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of 1.5 years. (Sec. 1)
b) Class 4 felony if the peace officer suffers an injury and carries a mandatory minimum
sentence of 2.5 years. (Sec. 1)
3. Specifies laser pointer or laser emitting device has the same meaning as defined in statute.
(Sec. 1)
4. Makes a conforming change. (Sec. 1)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note