A few notes about the Laser Safety Tax idea from me, the private citizen who suggested it.
It is designed as an idea for discussion. I have no power to impose this. In fact, I don't believe we need laser bans or restrictions at this time. (Various groups like CDRH, pilots, FAA and laser sellers have not yet done all they can to try to inform the public and better protect pilots.)
But, what if tomorrow there is an accident or crash that causes U.S. legislators to do like so many other countries have done, and ban laser pointer possession and use? If this happens, does the laser enthusiast community just take whatever politicians give them, or will the community have some constructive proposals?
For reasons discussed on my webpage, I believe a Laser Safety Tax deserves consideration. It is designed to have minimal impact on responsible hobbyists, the kind who can make their own devices from (untaxed) components. For enthusiasts wanting pre-made lasers -- yes, the cost is higher, but at least the lasers would still be legal for possession and use. The main group this impacts is the general public. They would be much less likely to purchase lasers, especially higher-power ones.
Sure, there could be other methods like licensing or permits. Notice that on the Laser Safety Tax page, I give space to someone who disagrees with the tax and prefers firearm-like regulation. That's fine, let's have a constructive discussion.
A few other comments:
Regarding overseas manufacturers getting around the tax: Yes, that could happen. But it could also happen under permits, licensing, or other restrictions. We are not talking about having to have 100% success. No law is perfect (e.g., interstate cigarette smuggling to avoid heavy taxes in certain states; moonshiners; illegal drugs). Our goal is to cut down availability to the general public who see lasers as impulse-buy toys.
Regarding the effectiveness of prosecutions: Publicizing arrests is being done, and I believe is working to a degree, but at current rates it would take at least one more year to see an actual drop in incidents, and it would take many years (5? 10?) to get the rate down to pre-2004 levels. In other words, it is working but very slowly. So we need a backup plan in case the number of incidents does not drop fast enough to satisfy pilots, FAA, legislators and others who might support a ban (or in case there is an accident that causes public outcry).
My purpose with the Laser Safety Tax page is to get some ideas out, so if there is a sudden problem, these can be (hopefully!) considered by legislators. The purpose is NOT to say that we need to impose a tax or restrictions now.
If any person reading this has their own well-thought-out constructive proposal, I will add it to the Laser Safety Tax page.
-- Patrick Murphy, writing as a private citizen and not for any laser organization
PS: This has nothing to do with display lasers vs. pointers, or with PL vs. LPF. The problem is not with laser light shows, and it is not with laser hobbyists & experimenters. The problem is with the general public. There are just too many people who don't understand the hazards (or who don't care), and it is too easy for them to get relatively high-powered lasers.
), and our "problems", instead lower, are still here and increasing 
