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PRINTER'S NO. 2924
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 2231
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY MAKO AND GILLEN, FEBRUARY 19, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, FEBRUARY 20, 2026
AN ACT
Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and
related offenses, providing for interference with aircraft
operations.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes is amended by adding a section to read:
§ 5518. Interference with aircraft operations.
(a) Offense defined.--A person commits a misdemeanor of the
first degree if the person intentionally or knowingly aims the
beam of a laser pointer or other light-emitting device at an
occupied aircraft and the person knows or recklessly disregards
that the aircraft is occupied.
(b) Defense.--It is a defense to prosecution under this
section if the person aiming the beam of the laser pointer or
other light-emitting device was, at the time, any of the
following:
(1) A n authorized individual in the conduct of research
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and development or flight test operations conducted by an
aircraft manufacturer, the Federal Aviation Administration or
any other individual authorized by the Federal Aviation
Administration to conduct the research and development or
flight test operations.
(2) A member of a law enforcement agency acting in an
official capacity for the purpose of research, development,
operations, testing or training.
(3) An individual using a laser emergency signaling
device to send an emergency distress signal.
(c) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following
words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this
subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
" Aircraft." As defined in 74 Pa.C.S. § 5102 (relating to
definitions).
"Laser pointer." A device designed or used to amplify
electromagnetic radiation by stimulated emission that emits a
beam designed to be used by the operator as a pointer or
highlighter to indicate, mark or identify a specific position,
place, item or object.
"Light-emitting device." A device that emits a light of an
intensity sufficient to impair or compromise the ability of an
operator to control an aircraft.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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