HB 191 - SB 429
FISCAL NOTE
Fiscal Review Committee
Tennessee General Assembly
February 1, 2025
Fiscal Analyst: Natalie Dusek | Email: natalie.dusek@capitol.tn.gov | Phone: 615-741-2564
HB 191 - SB 429
SUMMARY OF BILL: Creates a Class B misdemeanor offence to knowingly activate and
point a laser pointer or other device utilizing a laser beam at a person driving an automobile, boat,
airplane, or other motor vehicle.
FISCAL IMPACT:
NOT SIGNIFICANT
Assumptions:
• Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 39A(a), whoever knowingly aims the beam of a laser pointer at
an aircraft in jurisdiction of the United States, or at the flight path of such an aircraft, shall
be fined or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
• Pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-16-515(a), it is a Class A misdemeanor offense to
knowingly activate and point a laser pointer or other device utilizing a laser beam at an
individual known to be a law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician
or other emergency service personnel while the individual is in the performance of the
individual's official duties, with the intent to place the individual in fear of serious bodily
injury or death.
• The creation of the proposed Class B misdemeanor offense is not expected to result in a
significant increase in charges.
• There will not be a sufficient number of prosecutions for state or local government to
experience any significant increase in revenue or expenditures.
CERTIFICATION:
The information contained herein is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Bojan Savic, Executive Director