Relating to the authority of certain counties to enact noise regulations; providing a criminal penalty.
Impact
The passage of SB1893 would significantly affect local governance in large counties, permitting them to take proactive measures against noise pollution. This legislative shift would grant local officials the authority to define what constitutes an excessive or objectionable sound. The potential for varying noise standards across large counties, especially those with growing suburban areas, could address long-standing community concerns regarding noise disturbances from sources like construction, traffic, and entertainment venues.
Summary
SB1893 seeks to empower counties with populations exceeding 3.3 million to regulate noise levels through a new subchapter added to the Local Government Code. This bill allows the commissioners court of qualified counties to adopt regulations that manage sound levels to promote public health, safety, and welfare. The proposed regulations would apply specifically to unincorporated areas within the county, addressing noise that could be deemed objectionable by a reasonable person based on certain factors, including the time of day, proximity to residential properties, and the nature of the sound itself.
Contention
While supporters of SB1893 argue that it is a necessary measure to safeguard community well-being and manage noise complaints in densely populated areas, opponents may raise concerns about the implications of such regulations on personal freedoms and economic activities. Issues could arise regarding the enforcement of noise regulations, potential penalties for violations, and the subjective nature of what is deemed 'objectionable' sound. As with many local regulations, the implementation and enforcement might face scrutiny regarding fairness and consistency, particularly if they disproportionately affect certain businesses or activities.
Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.
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.
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.
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.
Relating to methods for the recovery of system restoration costs incurred by electric utilities following hurricanes, tropical storms, ice or snow storms, floods, and other weather-related events and natural disasters.
Relating to methods for the recovery of system restoration costs incurred by electric utilities following hurricanes, tropical storms, ice or snow storms, floods, and other weather-related events and natural disasters.
Relating to the response and resilience of certain electricity service providers to major weather-related events or other natural disasters; granting authority to issue bonds.