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Delegate Fair urges committee to approve bill allowing noise-monitoring systems in Frederick
Summary
Delegate Fair told the House Environment and Transportation Committee that House Bill 617 would add the City of Frederick to a program allowing law enforcement to use noise-abatement monitoring systems to enforce vehicle decibel and noise-ordinance limits; he said local leaders and an attorney general opinion back the measure. The committee held the hearing but recorded no vote.
Delegate Fair urged the House Environment and Transportation Committee on March 24 to report favorably on House Bill 617, a local measure that would add the City of Frederick to a program permitting local governments to allow law-enforcement use of noise-abatement monitoring systems. "House bill 6 17 is a local bill that adds the City Of Frederick to an already pre existing program in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties," Fair said, adding that the devices are "similar to speed cameras" and are used "to track violations of noise ordinances and vehicle decibel limits."
Why it matters: The sponsor said the bill would give Frederick City the same authorization already in place in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties, creating an enforcement tool aimed at reducing outdoor noise and, he said, improving community safety and the downtown business environment. Delegate Fair said the measure has local political support: "All of the city, Frederick City legislators are cosponsors, and the Frederick City County delegation issued a letter of support," and he said the attorney general provided an opinion that the General Assembly may enact such a municipality-specific law because vehicle laws are of "state concern."
Exchange with a committee member: Delegate Dahlia Healy asked whether the local delegation supported the bill. Fair replied, "Both the city of Frederick's entire delegation signed onto the bill and the Frederick County delegation issued a letter of support."
What the hearing recorded: The transcript records the sponsor's presentation, the question about local delegation support, and the chair's closing remarks. No committee motion, vote, amendment or formal outcome is recorded in the transcript; after brief remarks the chair concluded the bill hearings for the afternoon.
Details and limits in the transcript: The sponsor characterized the systems as similar to speed cameras for noise and said the Frederick City Police, the mayor, the downtown business community and the city council support the bill. He also referenced an attorney general's opinion but did not provide a citation or attach the opinion in the hearing record. The transcript does not state whether the committee will hold additional hearings, vote on the bill at a future meeting, or refer it to a committee report.
Next steps: The hearing closed without a recorded committee vote or formal action in the transcript. The committee may still consider the bill at a later time.
(Reported from proceedings of the House Environment and Transportation Committee.)
