Longview Legislator’s Bill Passes the House

AUSTIN (AP) — The Texas House has approved final passage of a bill that would make it a criminal offense for public servants to inappropriately touch travelers during airport security pat-downs. Sent to the Senate Friday, the measure makes it illegal for anyone conducting searches to touch “the anus, sexual organ, buttocks, or breast of another person” including through clothing. It also prohibits searches “that would be offensive to a reasonable person.”

The bill’s chief sponsor is Republican Representative David Simpson of Longview. He said during brief debate late Thursday night that “this has to do with dignity and travel, and prohibiting indecent, groping searches.” Simpson believes it will keep Transportation Security Administration officials from treating travelers like criminals, though the measure may be superseded by federal law. Representatives approved the measure with little opposition.