WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–September 26, 2011. U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) today joined Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Daniel Inouye (D-HI), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), and Bob Casey (D-PA) in introducing bipartisan legislation to crack down on individuals who shine laser pointers at aircraft – an action that can temporarily blind pilots and put passengers at risk. The legislation would make it a crime to knowingly aim a laser pointer at an aircraft, and subject violators to fines or imprisonment for up to 5 years. The bill exempts those using lasers for legitimate aviation purposes such as research and development, training, or emergency signaling.
