The liklihood of bans and permit restrictions in the U.S.A.

Most people here are aware of the strong restrictions on the sale and possession of laser pointers in Australia, and occasional attempted legislature at the municipal level in the U.S.A. against the sale of powerful laser pointers to minors. With the rapid rise in news stories about laser attacks on aircraft, and increasing arrests of individuals using lasers irresponsibly, it seems likely that this sort of legislation is going to become more and more common in the future.

Based what you've seen and heard, where do things stand in the U.S.A. right now, at the state and national levels? Is it likely that we'll be seeing a national ban of powerful handheld lasers in the United States over the next few years? Or the implementation of permits for ownership of such devices? Are there any sale or possession laws being processed in the U.S.A. right now? (I know that some are currently being passed against the actual use of laser pointers against aircraft.)

There are already a lot of FDA federalrules and regulations.

See: FDA Safety Notification: Risk of Eye and Skin Injuries from High-powered, Hand-held Lasers Used for Pointing or Entertainment
and
Laser Pointer Safety - FDA authority over laser pointers and handheld lasers

Also many State laws see: Laser Pointer Safety - U.S. laws for lasers and pointers

Permits won't happen. It's easier just to ban it.