The Hoffman Estates Public Health and Safety Committee on Monday night unanimously recommended that the Village Board pass an ordinance prohibiting the possession of laser pointers by minors.
No one younger than 18 could have a laser pointer unless he or she was under the supervision of a parent or guardian in the minor’s home, according to the proposed ordinance.
“We’re looking at getting the ball rolling,” said Trustee Karen Mills, the panel’s chairwoman. “I would not want to have any instance where there are lasers that result in problems.”
Since about 1998, police have reported instances of lasers being pointed at them or others, raising fears they were being targeted by laser-aiming firearms, village officials said.
A minor caught with a laser pointer, or anyone who gives a minor one of the devices, would be subject to fines of $10 to $500, under the proposed ordinance. The current penalty is be a $20 local citation, said Police Chief Clinton J. Herdegen.
The Village Board is expected to take up the ordinance April 5.
