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Lubbock council repeals alarm-permit ordinance after heated public and council backlash
Summary
After public comment and data briefings about monitored alarm calls, the Lubbock City Council voted to repeal the alarm-permit ordinance it adopted Sept. 9, 2025, citing insufficient briefing, implementation concerns and potential burdens on residents. The city will revert to the prior ordinance and study alternatives with broader council and public input.
Assistant Police Chief Neil Baron told the council that the ordinance targeted only third‑party monitored alarm systems and was intended "to free up first responders to answer higher‑priority calls," citing thousands of alarm-related responses and thousands of officer hours spent on false alarms. Baron said the Local Government Code authorizes annual permit fees (examples cited in staff slides included $50 for residential rates and up to $250 for other locations).
Council debate…
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