As we reported in March, a handful of Texas politicians were fed up with being felt-up and were considering a way to ban the TSA’s invasive pat-down procedures. Last night, that ban got closer to reality — or at least closer to becoming a courtroom battle — when the Lone Star State’s House of Representatives voted to approve legislation that would keep hands off travelers’ most personal areas.

From Reuters:

The proposal would classify any airport inspection that “touches the anus, sexual organ, buttocks, or breast of another person including through the clothing, or touches the other person in a manner that would be offensive to a reasonable person” as an offense of sexual harassment under official oppression.

Any TSA agent caught violating the law — if it’s ever actually enacted — could face up to a $4,000 fine and one year in jail.

“Indecent groping searches when innocent travelers are seeking access to airports and public buildings would be outlawed under this bill,” said the bill’s author David Simpson.

A TSA spokesman told Reuters the agency can’t comment on pending legislation, but did say that only 3% of travelers receive pat-downs.

We’re guessing he’s including the occasional poopy diaper in his percentages.

Texas House passes bill banning TSA airport “groping” [Reuters]

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