Conroe delays mass-gatherings ordinance after sustained public opposition over fees and insurance

The Conroe City Council deferred a proposed mass-gatherings ordinance (agenda items 9 and 10) Oct. 9 after an extended public-comment period in which residents warned the measure would burden constitutional free-speech and assembly rights.

Dozens of residents, neighborhood organizers and local business owners told the council a $500 permit fee and a $1,000,000 liability-insurance requirement for some gatherings would effectively prevent small groups and community organizations from assembling. "If this ordinance passes, you and your 25 friends will be unable to protest in public without first paying $500 and having liability insurance worth $1,000,000," Antonio Ventura said during public comment.

Speakers cited legal precedent and free-speech rulings during remarks. Lucas Dollarhide referenced Forsyth County v. Nationalist Movement (1992) and other cases as indicating excessive or content-dependent fees can be unconstitutional. Several speakers noted that other permitted events, such as parades or carnivals, carry smaller fees.

Police Chief Buckholtz told the council he respects the Constitution and that the ordinance was not brought to the agenda by council. He said he requested tools to address recurring protest-related safety risks — including groups assembling adjacent to a state highway — and that staff had been diverting resources to protect protesters on multiple weekends. "There's got to be some middle ground that I can use," the chief said, describing an operational need for options to protect people and city resources.

Council members said the item was deferred for legal review and additional staff work. The mayor announced items 9 and 10 were deferred at the start of the meeting; the council did not adopt the ordinance.