HSB 53

Where it is now

1. ✓
   Done: IntroducedJanuary 18, 2023
2. ✓
   Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 18, 2023
3. ✓
   Done: House committeeMarch 7, 2024
4. ✓
   Done: Passes the HouseMarch 18, 202496–0
5. –
   Skipped: Senate committeeSkipped
6. ✓
   Done: Passes the SenateMarch 14, 202347–0
7. ✓
   Done: To the GovernorApril 10, 2024
8. ✓
   Done: Signed into lawApril 10, 2024

SF 144 became law → The same legislation passed as SF 144, so this version was set aside. Go to SF 144 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

This bill relates to an assault involving a laser pointed toward an aircraft. The bill provides that it is an assault for a person to intentionally point a laser emitting a visible light beam toward an aircraft. The bill defines “aircraft” as any contrivance intended for and capable of transporting persons through the airspace. Penalties for assault range from a simple misdemeanor to a class “C” felony.

Full bill text · What changed before it passed¹

House subcommittee

Named January 18, 2023. Meeting: Tuesday, January 24 · 12:15 PM · House Lounge (Cancelled).

• Rep. Zach Dieken REmail
• Rep. Joel Fry R
• Rep. Sami Scheetz D

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Fiscal note

AI summary This bill expands the definition of assault to include intentionally pointing a laser beam at an aircraft. The fiscal impact cannot be determined because it is unknown how many new convictions would result from this change. If convictions occur, costs would be incurred by the state's General Fund for the Judicial Branch, the Indigent Defense Fund, and the Department of Corrections.²

From the note: 1(2), and the fiscal impact cannot be determined due to a lack of existing conviction data. Figure 2 below shows the average State cost per offense for a Class C felony, Class D felony, aggravated misdemeanor, serious misdemeanor, and simple misdemeanor.

• Final Fiscal Note — Assault, Pointing Lasers at Aircraft · May 3, 2024
• Assault, Pointing Lasers at Aircraft · January 31, 2023

Reading a fiscal note³

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§708.1

How the Code works⁴

Family tree