diff --git a/script/local.py b/script/local.py
index 73f83ea..7899f1b 100755
--- a/script/local.py
+++ b/script/local.py
@@ -22,7 +22,9 @@ def laser_off():
     caput("SIN-TIMAST-TMA:Beam-Las-Delay-Sel", 1)    
     caput("SIN-TIMAST-TMA:Beam-Apply-Cmd.PROC", 1)    
     time.sleep(LASER_SETTLING_TIME)
-    
+
+def is_laser_on():
+    caget ("SIN-TIMAST-TMA:Beam-Las-Delay-Sel",'d') == 0    
 
 # Switch off magnets
 def ccr(magnet):