sorry if this has been already posted but it looked very important to me
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Forums need to be made aware of this.
From: Patrick Murphy, Exec. Dir.
Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 2:31 PM
To: ilda-list@lists.laserist.org ; laserist-list
Subject: [ILDA List] Laser bills on fast-track in Congress
To ILDA Members and interested laserists:
Last September, ILDA told you about H.R. 5810, a U.S. Congress bill to regulates outdoor laser pointer use. The exact same bill (no new language) has just been introduced in the House as H.R. 386. I understand that the House Judiciary Committee is expected to mark up the bill today, January 26. (I just found out about this an hour ago.)
Since H.R. 386 has not been changed since it was H.R. 5810, ILDA's position remains the same. ILDA certainly supports pilot safety, but this is NOT a good bill. It is too weak in some areas, and in other areas it could make currently-legal FAA reviewed shows become illegal.
Because ILDA is concerned that H.R. 386 could lead to partial or complete restrictions on safe, FAA reviewed shows, we ask Members and interested laserists to review the information and to write to your Representative, Senators and key Congressional leaders.
A fuller analysis of this bill is at http://www.laserpointersafety.com/ru...10/hr5810.html
ILDA does not agree with this law, and has prepared an improved version which is at http://www.laserpointersafety.com/ru.../laserlaw.html
The full text of the bill is at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill...?bill=h112-386
At the ILDA Conference last year, ILDA Members discussed the bill. The consensus was that while the bill says it addresses only laser pointers, it could also be used against legitimate laser shows. For example, a local police officer or prosecutor could believe the bill applies to laser shows and thus shut down a show or even bring charges against the show producer. Obviously, ILDA wants to avoid any situation where laser laws could improperly be applied to legal, safe shows. Additional problems with the bill are discussed in the links above.
The bill has been introduced in the House Judiciary Committee and also will be introduced shortly in the Senate Judiciary Committee . If reported out of these Committees, it will then be voted on by the House and Senate. If it passes both houses, and the President signs it, then it would become law.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by doing the following:
Write to your Representatives, Senators, and to key House Judiciary Committee members. Due to this being a hot issue, it is best to fax a letter or send an email. It also helps to send a copy on on paper, sent by U.S. mail -- this shows you care more about this issue than just whipping off an email.
Attached is a Microsoft Word document and an iWork Pages document you can use as a guide. Be sure to edit the guide, or write your own, so it reflects your own views and so that the Representatives and Senators don't feel they are getting a form letter. Use your own words, clients and experiences.
You can find a list of Representatives at https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml. There is also a handy "Contact My Representative" form on this page. Ask them to not support H.R. 386 in its current form, since it has problems and can be improved as well.
You can find a list of House Judiciary Committee members at http://judiciary.house.gov/about/members.html. Be sure to write to Lamar Smith, the chairman. Also, if your Representative is on the Committee, be sure to write him or her and ask them to change H.R. 386 or vote against it.
You can find a list of Senators at http://www.senate.gov/general/contac...nators_cfm.cfm. Use the drop-down box to find the two Senators from your state. Important: At this time, there is only a House bill (H.R. 386). There is no Senate bill. Be clear to your Senator that you are asking them NOT to co-sponsor any Senate version of H.R. 386. Obviously they cannot vote against it until it comes to the Senate floor.
You can find a list of Senate Judiciary Committee members at http://judiciary.senate.gov/about/members.cfm. Be sure to write to Orrin G. Hatch, the chairman. Also, if either of the Senators from your state are on the Committee, be sure to write to them. See the note above, that there is no Senate version but one is expected soon, and that you are against any Senate version if it is identical to H.R. 386.
If you have any questions, write to me.
Thank you for your help,
-- Patrick Murphy, ILDA