OntheWilderSide

Below are clips from various articles about a bill in Texas that would fine TSA workers who touched the private parts of passengers without having probable cause. What happened: The bill was proposed, and won in the Texas House. The bill was withdrawn, because the federal government said that if it passed, they would shut down all air travel from Texas. [A story about that: here] Now, there is a special session of the legislature in Texas (for other issues), and the bill sponsor has asked that the TSA-related bill also be reconsidered.

Excerpt from the political blog The Hill
Texas TSA pat down ban may be back
By Keith Laing – 06/02/11 02:18 PM ET

Texas lawmakers may reconsider a bill [TSA bill HB 1937]  to outlaw controversial airport pat-downs, the sponsor of legislation that was shelved recently said this week.

Texas state Rep. David Simpson (R) said that Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst reportedly asked Gov. Rick Perry to include the measure in a special session of the Texas legislature…

The measure would make it a misdemeanor for TSA agents would have been to pat down travelers who did not have probable cause for suspicion. The penalty would be a $4,000 fine and one year in jail.

If it is approved, it would be the first state law restricting TSA’s security techniques.

Simpson sharply criticized the Department of Justice for threatening to respond to the bill, comparing it to the Texas Revolution…

“Gentlemen, we find ourselves at such a watershed moment today,” Simpson continued. “The federal government is attempting to deprive the citizens of Texas of their constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article 1, Section 9 of the Texas Constitution. If we do not stand for our citizens in the face of this deprivation of their personal rights and dignity, who will?”

TSA has continue to argue the proposed legislation is unconstitutional, saying it would be nullified by the supremacy clause of the U.S. constitution.

A measure similar to the Texas bill has been introduced in Utah…

from a May 15th story at New American:

“Texas’ efforts to stop TSA abuses have attracted national and even international attention. Eight other states — among them New Jersey, Alaska, Washington, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania — have “legislation pending to protect travelers’ dignity,” according to Simpson’s press release.”

more info, updates and commentary from a June 7, 2011 story at Independent Political Report:

Story: Darryl W. Perry [Boston Tea Party]: Texas to TSA: “No Warrant, No Grope!”?

Filed under: News, politics, progressive politics, US Politics Tagged: | aiport security, air travel, Constitution, Constitutional Law, David Simpson, HB1937, Homeland Security, New Hampshire politics, pat downs, Rep. David Simpson, Texas politics, TSA