Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3310

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the authority of certain counties to adopt noise regulations; creating a criminal offense; authorizing fees.

Impact

The impact of HB 3310 is significant as it amends existing laws to enable smaller counties to effectively manage noise levels, which can be crucial for maintaining community standards and quality of life. The ability to set regulations around noise not only empowers local authorities but also promotes a tailored approach to noise complaints, allowing counties to address unique local challenges that may arise in less populated areas adjacent to urban centers.

Summary

House Bill 3310 addresses the authority of certain counties in Texas to establish regulations concerning noise and sound levels. Specifically, this bill applies to counties with a population of less than 50,000 that are adjacent to larger counties. It permits the local commissioners court to prohibit loudspeaker or sound amplifier use deemed a nuisance, with specific decibel thresholds and time restrictions for such regulations, thereby strengthening local governance over noise management.

Contention

Notably, the bill creates provisions for exceptions to the regulations, including sounds produced by emergency vehicles, various utility operations, and specific community activities. The establishment of a permitting process for events that exceed regulated sound levels introduces a level of bureaucracy that may concern some stakeholders. Critics might argue that it could lead to arbitrary enforcement and hinder community events, while supporters may see it as necessary for maintaining order and quality of life.

Enforcement

To ensure compliance, the bill introduces a Class C misdemeanor for violations of adopted regulations, allowing local authorities to seek injunctions against violations effectively. This criminal penalty underscores the importance of the regulations and the responsibilities awarded to county officials in managing sound levels, which may provoke debate regarding the balance between enforcement and personal freedoms.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Local Government Code

  • Chapter 240. Miscellaneous Regulatory Authority Of Counties
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB899

Relating to the authority of certain counties to regulate noise levels in residential areas; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB2252

Relating to the regulation of trampoline courts; authorizing fees; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB3398

Relating to county zoning authority for counties adjacent to populous counties; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB1601

Relating to defenses to prosecution of the criminal offenses of gambling, keeping a gambling place, and possession of a gambling device, equipment, or paraphernalia and county regulation of poker clubs; providing civil penalties; authorizing an occupational license; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB2100

Relating to defenses to prosecution of the criminal offenses of gambling, keeping a gambling place, and possession of a gambling device, equipment, or paraphernalia and county regulation of poker clubs; providing civil penalties; authorizing an occupational license; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3950

Relating to the maintenance of a tow rotation list by the commissioners court or sheriff's office of certain counties; authorizing fees; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1942

Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.

TX SB715

Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.

TX HB2173

Relating to the provision of solid waste disposal services by certain counties; authorizing a fee; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.