HB 270-WARNING OF AIRPORT EXAMS/SCANS  2:48:18 PM CHAIR P. WLSON announced that the final order of business would be, HOUSE BILL NO. 270, "An Act requiring the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to require airports to post warning signs outside of security screening areas warning passengers that they are subject to searches of their bodies by physical touching and by electronic devices that emit radiation." 2:48:44 PM REPRESENTATIVE SHARON CISSNA, Alaska State Legislature, stated that HB 270 is an important bill in terms of screening processes at Alaska's airports. In December 2011, Alaska used a system of procedures without using a scanner, which included performing invasive examinations to ensure public safety on flights. Prior to the physical screening procedures, the airports used metal detectors, which were less effective in detecting items not allowed on airplanes. She related her understanding that the new scanner does not view the body as a naked body, since the device shows a symbol and the location of something that needs further investigation. 2:50:38 PM REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA said an item identified by the new scanner could be a bomb; however, given the aging population it is more likely to be a medical implant, a missing body part as a result of war, cancer, or even something natural. She explained that once the new scanner identifies a problem, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent will use a more invasive procedure. She reported that beginning in February 2011 until the end of the legislative session she received over 1,000 e- mails and letters from people all over the country, of which approximately 300 were from Alaskans. She said that people also stop her on the street and come into her office to tell their stories. She offered her belief that the type of reaction they have exhibited is typical of someone who has been traumatized. She related that children or elderly parents have been subjected to the procedures. She acknowledged that the measures have been put in place as a reaction to 9/11. 2:53:06 PM REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA pointed out that she has served for ten years on the Special Committee of Military and Veterans Affairs so she shares security concerns, but she also is concerned about the loss of independence people feel when subjected to these invasive devices. 2:53:57 PM CHAIR P. WILSON turned the gavel over to Vice Chair Pruitt. 2:54:13 PM REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA explained that this bill would require the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) to post an informational sign in each Alaska airport where TSA screening takes place. The sign's wording would warn passengers of the potentially dangerous screening procedures before they enter the TSA controlled screening area. She pointed out that the notices would be at larger airports flying to Lower 48, not at smaller airports since the type of screening required is linked to size of airport. She started to explain a TSA opt-out form, but realized the form did not apply. She explained that each airport will be required to post a sign at least 11 inches by 14 inches outside the security area to identify the screening procedures so each passenger is forewarned about the body scanning device. REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA explained that some people have reported they did not realize the manner in which the TSA people would talk to them. This posting would help since it will give consumers a warning to be aware that by walking into the TSA area they are consenting to abide by the screening. REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA said the state has a huge number of airports owned by the DOT&PF. She identified the Juneau and Ketchikan airports as municipal airports. The bill would notify the governmental agency that owns the airports and leases about the requirement to post the small sign. She asked to have additional time to check with the leased land proprietors to ascertain whether the requirement for signage would mesh with their procedures. She reiterated that this bill will help prepare people and give them informed consent. 3:00:31 PM REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ thanked her for her courage on this issue. She asked for clarification on radiation issues. She related her understanding that the devices have greater radiation and asked how the new scanner compares to the more traditional screening devices. REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA answered that she did not know. She expressed concern over the absence of third-party oversight on any of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) measures. The Congress gave TSA the right to write regulations. She explained there is not any way to determine that the equipment is safe. She recalled viewing forms and numerous cautions from the manufacturers that if the scanner equipment is not properly installed, calibrated, and regularly checked that it will not be safe. She stressed that the state should be extremely careful to ensure public health and safety. 3:03:13 PM REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE asked whether the devices emit radiation, the quantity, or if it is electromagnetic. REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA said she did not know. She related her understanding that the scanners use a type of radiation that is a slower traveling radiation, which is of concern. [HB 270 was held over.]