<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>penalties;proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 609.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:<br/>
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<a id="bill.0.1.0"></a><a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>    Section 1. <b>[609.857] DISCHARGING A LASER AT AN AIRCRAFT.</b><br/>
<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>    Subdivision 1. <b>Definitions.</b> (a) As used in this section, the following terms have <br/>
<a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>the meanings given.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>(b) "Aircraft" means any contrivance now known or hereafter invented, used, or <br/>
<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>designed for navigation of or flight in the air, but excluding parachutes.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>(c) "Laser" means both of the following:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>(1) any device that utilizes the natural oscillations of atoms or molecules between <br/>
<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>energy levels for generating coherent electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet, visible, <br/>
<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>or infrared region of the spectrum and when discharged exceeds one milliwatt continuous <br/>
<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>wave;<br/>
<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>(2) any device designed or used to amplify electromagnetic radiation by simulated <br/>
<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>emission that is visible to the human eye.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>    Subd. 2. <b>Crime.</b> Whoever knowingly aims and discharges a laser or other device <br/>
<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>that creates visible light into the cockpit of an aircraft that is in the process of taking off <br/>
<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>or landing or is in flight is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.<br/>
<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>    Subd. 3. <b>Exceptions.</b> This section does not apply to the following individuals who <br/>
<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>aim and discharge a laser or other device at an aircraft:<br/>
<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>(a) an authorized individual in the conduct of research and development or flight test <br/>
<a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</var>operations conducted by an aircraft manufacturer, the Federal Aviation Administration, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>or any other person authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct such <br/>
<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>research and development or flight test operations; or<br/>
<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>(b) members or elements of the Department of Defense or Department of Homeland <br/>
<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>Security acting in an official capacity for the purpose of research, development, operations, <br/>
<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var>testing, or training.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>    Subd. 4. <b>Defense.</b> It is an affirmative defense to a charge under this section if <br/>
<a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>the defendant proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant intended to <br/>
<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>send an emergency distress signal.<br/>
<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective August 1, 2009, and applies to <br/>
<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>offenses committed on or after that date.<br/>