California withdraws controversial airport screening bill targeting clear

The California bill to ban CLEAR from airports has been pulled.

The proposed legislation aimed to require dedicated TSA screening lanes for CLEAR passengers, necessitating the TSA to offer and staff these lanes. Proponents of the bill argued that it was about equity, suggesting that no one should receive a better screening experience and everyone should wait equally. However, the bill would have still allowed PreCheck and priority screening lines for first-class and elite passengers.

Critics pointed out that CLEAR passengers flying coach without status would face longer lines compared to first-class customers, questioning the equity argument. They suggested that the bill was an attack on CLEAR under the guise of equity concerns, potentially worsening security experiences rather than improving them. They also noted that CLEAR members typically travel more frequently than average passengers and therefore spend more time in security lines.