Texas House Passes Bill Banning Inappropriate Pat Downs in Airports

The Texas House has passed a bill making it a criminal offense for public servants to inappropriately touch airline travelers during pat-downs. The House approved the final passage of the law and sent it to the Senate yesterday, and used very specific language in defining what was prohibited.

It also bans searches that would “be offensive to a reasonable person.” Republican Representative David Simpson, the chief sponsor of the bill, says it’s a case of preserving one’s dignity. He says the law will keep everyday ordinary travelers from being treated like criminals.

Pat downs like this preformed on regular airline travelers is a little unnecessary. With all the technology airline security has these days, invasive pat downs seem…well…outdated. Plus, I tend to agree with Representative Simpson. It’s a pretty big dignity issue. I’m glad it passed so easily through the House.

However, even if the measure could have a good chance in the Senate, it may not actually change anything. The measure could be superseded by federal laws allowing the practice.