A bill that would criminalize the infamous "pat-down" at airport security checkpoints has made its way to the Texas Senate after clearing a key vote in the House on Friday evening.[...]
The bill would amend a Texas statute pertaining to "the offensive touching of persons," extending it to security personnel who conduct a search "without probable cause."
[...]
It defines an offender as someone who "intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly: (A) Searches another person without probable cause to believe the person committed an offense; and (B) Touches the anus, sexual organ, or breasts of the other person, including touching through clothing, or touches the other person in a manner that would be offensive to a reasonable person."
[...]
"We're not against national defense; we're not against security," Texas Rep. David Simpson (R) told Raw Story in March. "We just don't want to do it at the expense of our liberties. The terrorists want to take away our liberties and here we have our very own government terrorizing innocent travelers. Traveling is not a criminal act."
Good for Texas (for a change), but I do believe that there’s already a federal law prohibiting searches without probable cause, and is one that should simply be enforced even in airports.
The TSA did not appear moved, noting that even if the Texas Senate passes the bill and Gov. Rick Perry signs it into law, it will remain purely symbolic.
Because our government agencies are immune and protected from the law. You know, 9/11 changed everything.
I hope he does sign it into law, and I hope somebody from the TSA goes to jail if they break that law. Wait and see.
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