TO:	Honorable Garnet Coleman, Chair, House Committee on County Affairs
FROM:	Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	HB774 by Walle (Relating to the authority of certain counties to regulate noise levels in residential areas; creating a criminal offense.), As Introduced

The bill would amend the Local Government Code to authorize the commissioners court in a county with a population of more than 3.3 million to regulate the level of noise that can emanate from a residence located in a residential area in the unincorporated area of the county. 

The offense created by this bill would be a Class C misdemeanor.

According to the Office of Court Administration, no significant fiscal impact to the state court system is anticipated.

Local Government Impact

The bill would not have a fiscal impact on Harris County. Costs associated with enforcement and prosecution could be absorbed within existing resources according to the county and additional revenue from fines imposed/collected would not be significant.

A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not more than $500. In addition to the fine, punishment can include up to 180 days of deferred disposition. Costs associated with enforcement and prosecution could likely be absorbed within existing resources. Revenue gain from fines imposed and collected is not anticipated to have a significant fiscal impact.