90th General Assembly · Funnel one-pager · Monday, November 9, 2026

SF 144: Relating to an assault involving a laser pointed toward an aircraft, and making penalties applicable

Signed into law

What it does

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.

Cost

Can’t be estimated

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.

House subcommittee · named February 21, 2024

Rep. Phil Thompson (R)
Rep. Sami Scheetz (D)
Rep. Skyler Wheeler (R) · skyler.wheeler@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 6 for, 0 against

For: Air Methods; Cedar Rapids Airport; Iowa Dept. of Transportation; Iowa Police Chief Association (FKA Iowa Police Executive Forum); Iowa Public Airports Association; Iowa State Bar Association

In plain words

January 26, 2023Filed in the Senate
January 26, 2023Approved by the Senate committee
January 31, 2023Cost estimate (fiscal note) posted
March 14, 2023Passed the Senate, 47–0
March 14, 2023Arrived in the House
March 20, 2023House subcommittee named: Thompson, P., Scheetz and Wheeler
March 28, 2023Subcommittee recommended passing it
February 21, 2024House subcommittee named: Thompson, P., Scheetz and Wheeler
March 5, 2024Subcommittee recommended passing it
March 7, 2024Approved by the House committee
March 18, 2024Passed the House, 96–0
April 10, 2024Sent to the Governor
April 10, 2024Signed into law
May 3, 2024Cost estimate (fiscal note) posted