Honorable Garnet Coleman, Chair, House Committee on County Affairs
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB775 by Walle (Relating to the adoption of noise regulations by certain counties; creating a criminal offense; authorizing fees.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Local Government Code to require the commissioners court of a county with a population of more than 3.3 million to prohibit the production of loudspeaker or amplifier sounds exceeding 85 decibels at a distance 50 feet from the property line on which the loudspeaker or sound amplifier is operated. A violation of the prohibition would be a Class C misdemeanor.
According to the Office of Court Administration, no significant impact to the state court system is anticipated.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $500. In addition to the fine, punishment can include up to 180 days of deferred disposition. Costs associated with enforcement and prosecution could likely be absorbed within existing resources. Revenue gain from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact.