Fair Skies Ahead: Equitable Airport Security Screening Bill Passes Senate Transportation Committee with 8-4 Vote

Sacramento, Calif – California air travelers could see a more equitable experience at airport security checkpoints under a new bill from Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton). Senate Bill 1372 (SB 1372) seeks to address growing concerns surrounding expedited screening services, which allow some passengers to bypass the standard security queues for a fee. The bill passed the Senate Transportation Committee with a vote of 8-4.

SB 1372 works toward a potential solution that would improve the experience for all travelers. By creating a moratorium on expansion by CLEAR until such time as its subscribers pass through airport security in their own dedicated security lanes, the provisions of the bill would create a shared interest between CLEAR and its partner airports to work with TSA to effect this change. Such a separation would streamline the security process for everyone while actually offering additional value to CLEAR subscribers.

Established in response to the evolving landscape of airport security post-9/11, the use of expedited screening programs has sparked debate about fairness and accessibility in airport security. Unlike TSA PreCheck, which involves a background check and enhanced pre-screening protocols, expedited screening services offer faster passage through security for a membership fee without PreCheck’s associated security enhancements. This creates a two-tiered system where passengers who pay an annual fee are escorted to the front of the security line, to the inconvenience and annoyance of travelers making their way through the security queue.

“Despite what some have said, SB 1372 doesn’t seek to terminate the CLEAR concierge service at California airports. Instead, it seeks to have CLEAR and other third-party screening services operate separate lines for subscribers, eliminating the friction and frustration created by the current system,” Senator Newman said.

SB 1372 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee. To schedule an interview with Senator Newman, contact Brian Wheatley at 916.651.4029.

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State Senator Josh Newman represents the 29th Senate District, which is comprised of portions of Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Bernardino County. The 29th District includes all or parts of the cities of Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Chino Hills, City of Industry, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, La Habra, La Palma, Placentia, Rowland Heights, Stanton, Walnut, West Covina and Yorba Linda. Senator Newman is a former United States Army officer, businessperson, and veterans’ advocate, and lives in Fullerton with his wife and daughter.