“Having a witness at private pat-down searches will prevent inappropriate procedures”

JUNEAU – Today, Representative Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage) introduced legislation (HB 348) to allow travelers to request that a witness be present during private pat-down airport security searches.

“This bill would give travelers the right to have a witness of their own choosing, including an airport police officer, present at a private security pat-down,” said Rep. Tuck. “This will help protect Alaskans from inappropriate procedures by security officers which is in violation of state law.”

The bill states that security screening personnel may not refuse a request for a witness and that a witness can be anyone of the traveler’s choosing including airport police officers.

HB 348 was referred to the Transportation and Judiciary committees.