Expanded use of the expedited security lane provider Clear could be halted at California airports, if one new proposal is successful.
A bill introduced by California Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) that would do just that on Tuesday passed the state senate's transportation committee by a vote of 8-4.
Newman's bill—which has some bipartisan support—would require third-party vendors like Clear to get their own dedicated security lane or lose the ability to operate in California airports.
"By creating a moratorium on expansion by Clear until such time as its subscribers pass through airport security in their own dedicated security lanes, the provisions of the bill would create a shared interest between Clear and its partner airports to work with TSA to effect this change," Newman said in a Tuesday press statement. "Such a separation would streamline the security process for everyone while actually offering additional value to Clear subscribers."
Specifically, the bill would add to the Public Utilities Code a section that would prohibit, beginning Jan. 1, 2025, any California public airport that provides commercial services from entering into a new agreement that authorizes a private third-party vendor to provide expedited security screening in place of the standard security lane or the U.S. Transportation Security Administration PreCheck security lane, according to the most recent online version of the bill.
"For agreements entered into before Jan. 1, 2025, this section shall only apply upon the expiration of the agreement," according to the bill, designated SB 1372.
Next stop for the proposal is the California Senate Appropriations Committee.
Clear sent an April 11 letter in opposition to the bill to the chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, signed by Clear partners Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, according to Politico.
"Given SB 1372's elimination of $13 million in revenue currently paid by Clear, we are concerned that the bill's passage could further increase air carrier operating costs in the state, potentially resulting in increased fares or decreased service options," according to the letter.
The carriers also are concerned that the bill will result in longer, less efficient lines at security checkpoints. "In 2023 alone, Clear verified our frequent fliers over 5 million times in California—which means our most loyal customers find value in using Clear."
The current price for an annual Clear membership is $189. TSA PreCheck costs $78 for five years if enrolled through Idemia, or $85 for five years if enrolled through Telos, according to TSA. Clear customers often are escorted to the front of security, bypassing even TSA PreCheck members.
Clear in a statement to BTN said, "We appreciate the opportunity to engage in a robust discussion yesterday led by Chairman Dave Cortese and appreciate his leadership throughout this process. After reviewing the updated bill, we’re confident CLEAR will be able to continue operations with our existing airport partners in California."