Sacramento, California – A new bill introduced in California is aiming to restrict the operations of the expedited security screening company Clear in the state’s airports. Proponents of the legislation argue that Clear’s services create equity issues by allowing wealthier individuals to skip ahead of other passengers in line to be screened by TSA agents.

The proposed bill, known as SB-1372, would be the first of its kind in the United States. It seeks to require third-party vendors like Clear to have their own designated security lane or face potential restrictions on operating in California airports.

Clear charges its members $189 per year to verify their identities at airports, enabling them to bypass TSA checkpoints. The service is currently available at more than 55 airports across the country, as well as at numerous sports stadiums and other venues. While Clear is separate from TSA Pre-Check, many members utilize both services.

State Senator Josh Newman, a Democrat, is leading the efforts in sponsoring the legislation. He highlighted the importance of addressing equity concerns, stating, “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.”

Despite concerns raised by Republican Senator Janet Nguyen and the opposition from major airlines such as Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue, and Hawaiian, supporters of the bill are advocating for its passage. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA and the union representing Transportation Security Officers in Oakland, Sacramento, and San Jose have expressed their support for the proposed legislation.

The bill is set to be reviewed by the California State Senate’s transportation committee. Proponents hope that the legislation will address the perceived inequalities created by services like Clear and ensure a fair and efficient screening process for all passengers at California airports.