Anti-groping bill makes a comeback

Zahira Torres’ June 20, 2011 blog posting “Anti-groping bill makes a comeback” on the Texas Capitol Report blog discusses the procession of legislation to ban the controversial invasive airport pat downs. The author writes about Texas politics and government from the Austin Bureau of the El Paso Times. Her views are directed towards the flying public and anyone who has witnessed or have been involved with the current airport screening procedures.

As presented, “Gov. Rick Perry added the measure to the list of items that can be taken up during the special session, which ends later this month. The legislation was derailed in the Senate during the regular 140-day session, leading to a face-off between state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, who is one of the bill's authors, and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.

The bill, which had passed the House unanimously, would ban agents with the Transportation Security Administration from performing searches on certain parts of a person's body with their hands without probable cause.

If the bill becomes law, agents who touch travelers in a manner that a "reasonable person" would find offensive or who touch the "anus, sexual organ, buttocks, or breast" of a traveler would be subject to up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.”

In Zahira’s post, she brings up a very valid point, “Can the state impose such a law to regulate federal employees?” Many state lawmakers say they can whereas the Federal Government says they cannot. Not only does the Federal Government rebuttal the state’s claim but they have used somewhat of a scare tactic stating that it would "cancel any flight or series of flights for which it could not ensure the safety of passengers and crew." This statement has increased frustration throughout the airline industry.

I work in the airline industry and see the security processes and procedures implemented on a daily basis some of which can be questionable. There have been times when many flights have been delayed and/or cancelled due to the timely processing of passengers at the airport security checkpoints. Not only does this create frustration amongst the flying public it is very costly for the airlines.

It is understandable that the Federal Government wants to make sure that everyone, regardless if they are passengers or employees, remains safe but, in my opinion, invasive pat downs are not the answer.

Something, but I don't not really knowing what that something is, definitely has to be done to better this process and give the public a better sense of security and feel about our airports.

Let’s stop the blame game and move on. As Zahira has stated, “I'm confident that we can pass legislation that addresses these threats, while protecting innocent passengers and preserving our state's rights."
Governor Perry needs to set aside some time to get this right because we have more important issues to contend with.