Texas Bill would be invasive PAT downs felony

Fort Worth, Texas (AP) — former Miss United States tears that she had been groped during a PAT-down in the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport can be a criminal case in accordance with the Bill, is gaining momentum in the Texas Legislature, The proposed Act Texas to people holding checkpoints at airports and public buildingsmake it a felony to intentionally touch someone's private areas, even at the top of the clothes, if an employee or agent has reason to believe that a person does something illegal state Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, who sponsored the Bill, said Friday, invasive PAT-down searches at airports across the country are in violation of the fourth amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches. Last fall, the Transportation Security Administration has implemented a new procedure PAT down, which includes security worker hand up inside the passenger's feet and along the side of the buttocks, and make direct contact with groin ". we take for dignity and freedom," said Simpson, whose Bill was approved in Committee and was currently awaiting discussion in full House. Simpson has 70 co-sponsors for a bill that is more than 90% of the votes needed to pass it. The Bill will move to the Texas Senate for consideration. Simpson insisted that the law will pass muster, even though federal law requires all passengers of airlines allowed to pass validation, which sometimes implies a PAT down. If the Bill becomes law, the only way, Texas TSA agent can avoid fear persecution if the traveler consents in writing in the PAT-down search after fully information on procedures, Simpson said.TSA does not comment on pending legislation, said Agency spokesman Nikolai Kimball, "we wish we lived in a world where security procedures had not been necessary, but it's just not the case," said Kimball. "We know that terrorists still tries to manipulate societal norms in order to avoid detection and measures are the best means to reduce the risk. As we explore ways to improve our approach and become more risk-based intelligence and initiative, we welcome feedback from travelers and appreciate their understanding. "Susie Castillo, who was crowned Miss United States in 2003 amounted to Massachusetts, said she was "harassed" during security PAT down at DFW Airport on April 21. In the video she recorded minutes later tears CASTILLO said she picked against walking through a body scanner, and then a woman agent TSA touched her crotch quadrupled during the PAT down CASTILLO said the PAT down differ from those in other airports during their many trips. Castillo, now an actress, saying she believed that she was selected. "I hope that other people who feel violated the us make these complaints and maybe something will change in the future, "CASTILLO said in the video. "I hope they will hear me loud and clear."TSA spokesman Luis Casanova said screener, was questioned and made a PAT down correctly, but there were 898 people, or witnessed PAT down sorry for discomfort in Castillo. According to the TSA, complained to the Agency from November to March and 252 million passengers were shown during this period. TSA says less than 3% passengers take PAT downs, including those who opt out of the body scanner, or when it encounters a problem and require additional validation when a metal detector. because new measures against terrorism screening came into force last year, the American Civil Liberties Union reported more than 1 000 complaints. These travelers claim TSAs patted their genitalia, run your fingers through the hair or along their bras or zones in 59 of the 60 legislators Alaska asked the United States Senate Committee to hold hearings in the State on what they call "often invasive procedures"used by the TSA, you study what they can do at the State level. you don't have to sacrifice their dignity when you travel, and air travel is an important part of the trip to Alaska, "said Mark Gnadt, spokesman for the Democrats in the House At Alaska Legislature.least two federal lawsuits were filed for PAT downs.

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