California would soon ban skipping line firm Clear from operating in the state's airports. To do this, lawmakers have proposed new legislation.
The bill SB-1372 is considered the first policy to ban a security screening company from operating in airports. Here's what Americans need to know about this legislation.
California To Ban Security Screening Firms Clear From Airports!
According to Fox Business' latest report, the bill SB-1372 would require Clear and other third-party security screening vendors to have their own security lane. If they can't, authorities will not allow them to operate in California's airports.
As of writing, Clear operates at more than 55 airports across the United States. Aside from airports, the security screening firm also does business at dozens of other venues, such as sports stadiums.
The issue with Clear is that it allows people to skip screenings by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). By charging $189 per year to verify passengers' identities at airports, the company allows them to bypass TSA checkpoints.
Why California Wants To Ban Clear From Airports
CBS News reported that lawmakers are concerned about Clear allowing passengers to pay to pass through TSA checkpoints when boarding flights.
California Democrat Sen. Josh Newman, who sponsored the new bill, explained that Clear is enabling wealthy people to skip the screening processes of TSA agents, giving them unfair benefits compared to other passengers who need to wait in long queues.
"It's a basic equity issue when you see people subscribed to a concierge service being escorted in front of people who have waited a long time to get to the front of TSA line," explained Newman.
"Everyone is beaten down by the travel experience, and if Clear escorts a customer in front of you and tells TSA, 'Sorry, I have someone better,' it's really frustrating," he added.
Join the Conversation