SB 5068

SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5068

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of February 26, 2007

Title: An act relating to creating an international airport expedited security screening task force.

Brief Description: Creating an international airport expedited security screening task force.

Background: The federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in collaboration with private vendors, is developing a market-driven "Registered Traveler" program to provide expedited security screening for air travelers who volunteer biometric and biographic information and successfully complete a security threat assessment. The TSA charges an annual fee of $30 to each person it approves to use the Registered Traveler security lines at airports. The private vendors who enroll travelers typically charge $80-100 per year.

Summary of Proposed Substitute As Heard In Committee (Transportation): The International Airport Expedited Security Screening Task Force (Task Force) is created to evaluate whether Washington should participate in a federal program, such as the Registered Traveler program, to expedite airport security screening at international airports within the state.

The Task Force convenes August 1, 2007, and is comprised of: a representative from the airline industry; a representative from the Port of Seattle; a representative of the Washington/Inland division of the American Automobile Association (AAA); the Director of the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (CTED); and a representative of the Seattle/King County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Staff for the Task Force must be provided by CTED. The Task Force must report its findings to the Port of Seattle and the transportation committees of the Legislature by December 1, 2007. On June 30, 2008, the powers and duties of the Task Force terminate.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY RECOMMENDED SUBSTITUTE AS HEARD IN COMMITTEE (Transportation): The reference to the Automobile Association of America (AAA) is changed to reflect the current name of the organization.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: CON: Airlines already work closely with the federal government to expedite security screening at airports. The task force created under the bill would do little to improve that process.