28-Jun-2011 10:24 AM
Senate passes 'watered down' measure for Texas airport security pat-downs
US' Senate passed a measure that would criminalise "intrusive" security pat-downs at Texas airports, however the measure was "watered down" with the defence that security screeners can perform such a search with "reasonably suspicion" that the search is necessary (AP, 27-Jun-2011). The bill stated screeners who give "intrusive" pat downs could be punished by up to a year in prison. Senator Dan Patrick of Houston stated the reasonable suspicion provision is needed to get the bill passed through the Senate and House before the special session ends on 29-Jun-2011. The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration. The bill has not yet had a House vote.