section 13B of the Summary Offences Act 1981 is amended to increase the penalty to the highest level otherwise currently existing in that Act (common assault). Also, the requirement for possession to be in a public place is removed, extending the offence to any possession of a high-power laser pointer without reasonable excuse. The offence provision will now include people who have imported or possess a high-power laser pointer but have not yet used it in public. Section 13B(2) is amended to provide that forfeiture of the high-power laser pointer is now a mandatory consequence of conviction: