Two bills were discussed in Lansing today aimed at creating a state law against pointing lasers at aircraft.
A federal law against the crime already exists, but lawmakers are now pushing for a new state law.
State Rep. Laura Cox, from Livonia, and State Rep. Tom Barrett of Potterville, introduced a package of bills in January.
House Bill 4063 would prohibit people from pointing lasers at aircraft and House Bill 4064 outlines sentencing guidelines that would make the offense a felony under state law.
Over the past 12 months, Michigan State Police have reported several pilots have been targeted by lasers while flying over Michigan.
"This is a public safety issue," said Rep. Cox. "A laser pointer beam width at altitude is much larger and can completely blind the pilot in the cockpit."
A State House hearing on the bills started at 9 a.m.
"Laser pointers pose a very real risk to pilots and passengers," said Rep. Barrett. "It's important we put a stop to this before anyone gets hurt."
