Reasonable Search Standards Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (4 Oct 2001): Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10283)
What this bill does
S. 799, the Reasonable Search Standards Act, was introduced in the 107th Congress by Senator Richard Durbin, with several cosponsors, on April 30, 2001. The bill would prohibit U.S. Customs Service personnel from detaining or searching travelers based on their actual or perceived race, religion, gender, national origin, or sexual orientation, except when acting on specific information that a suspect matching one of those characteristics is linked to particular illegal activity. Before conducting a pat-down or more intrusive search (such as a strip search, x-ray, or body cavity search), officers would generally be required to document their reasons for suspecting the traveler is carrying contraband, though this documentation requirement would not apply if officers suspect a weapon is involved.
The bill would primarily affect international travelers entering the United States and Customs Service personnel who conduct inspections and searches. It would also require the Commissioner of Customs to provide periodic training on search procedures and the prohibition on profiling, and to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the number and types of searches conducted, along with the race, gender, and citizenship of those searched. The bill authorizes appropriations as needed starting in fiscal year 2002 to implement these requirements.
The bill was introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. According to available records, it did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the legislative process.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Reasonable Search Standards Act - Prohibits U.S. Customs Service personnel from subjecting travelers to detention or searches based upon race, religion, gender, national origin, or sexual orientation, except when acting upon specific information that a particular traveler suspected of engaging in illegal activity is described by one or more of such characteristics.Requires Customs Service personnel, before a pat down or intrusive nonroutine search, to document reasons to support a belief that an individual may be carrying contraband in violation of Federal law. Waives such requirement with respect to anyone suspected of carrying a weapon.Instructs the Commissioner of Customs to require Customs Service personnel to undergo periodic training on identification, detention, and search procedures, with particular emphasis on profiling proscriptions.
Timeline
4 Oct 2001
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10283)
Common questions
- What does S. 799 do?
- S. 799, the Reasonable Search Standards Act, was introduced in the 107th Congress by Senator Richard Durbin, with several cosponsors, on April 30, 2001. The bill would prohibit U.S. Customs Service personnel from detaining or searching travelers based on their actual or perceived race, religion, gender, national origin, or sexual orientation, except when acting on specific information that a suspect matching one of those characteristics is linked to particular illegal activity. Before conducting a pat-down or more intrusive search (such as a strip search, x-ray, or body cavity search), officers would generally be required to document their reasons for suspecting the traveler is carrying contraband, though this documentation requirement would not apply if officers suspect a weapon is involved. The bill would primarily affect international travelers entering the United States and Customs Service personnel who conduct inspections and searches. It would also require the Commissioner of Customs to provide periodic training on search procedures and the prohibition on profiling, and to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the number and types of searches conducted, along with the race, gender, and citizenship of those searched. The bill authorizes appropriations as needed starting in fiscal year 2002 to implement these requirements. The bill was introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. According to available records, it did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the legislative process.
- Has S. 799 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 799. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 799?
- S. 799 was sponsored by Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL] (D-IL), with 7 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 799?
- Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10283) (4 Oct 2001).
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