Would Have Made It A Crime To Refuse TSA Screening

A proposed law that would have made it a crime to refuse screening by the TSA at Albany International Airport (KALB) in New York has been shelved by the county legislature at the request of Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple.

Sheriff Apple told the Public Safety Committee of the Albany County Legislature that he lacks the documentation he needs to move the proposal forward, and asked that it be removed from the August 24 agenda. He also cited growing opposition to the proposal.

Among the concerns expressed by opposition groups were the possibility of unwarranted arrests and racial or religious profiling.

The Albany Times Union reports that Apple had proposed the law to cover what he said was a "weak spot" in the TSA screening system that allows people to refuse to be screened to walk away without boarding their flights. TSA has no police power, and can only impose fines in such situations. Apple said his deputies do not currently have the authority to question such persons.

Under the proposed law, leaving the line prior to screening of the passenger or his or her luggage could have resulted in a misdemeanor charge. Apple said he had proposed the law after being approached by the TSA, but the agency would only say that it was the county's decision.

Legislature Majority Leader Frank Commisso, a Democrat, had sponsored the proposal, but he said later that dropping it was the correct decision.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.albanycounty.com/legislature.aspx