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SB 967

Howard County - Noise Abatement Monitoring Systems - Authorization

2025 Regular Session

Authorizes Howard County to deploy up to three automated noise monitors to detect vehicle sound violations, issuing warnings and civil penalties up to $75, under state rules.

Hearing 3/05 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 967

SB 967 — Howard County — Noise Abatement Monitoring Systems — Authorization

Status (MD): Introduced Jan 29, 2025; Judicial Proceedings Committee hearing scheduled 3/05 at 1:00 p.m. Sponsor: Howard County Senators (primary sponsor: Fevella). Companion bills: HB 168, SB 1280.

Purpose

Authorize Howard County to use automated noise abatement monitoring systems (mobile or fixed sensors paired with noise-measuring devices) to detect and document motor vehicle violations of State motor vehicle maximum sound limits, under the same regulatory framework that currently applies to Montgomery and Prince George’s counties (Chapters 624 & 625 of 2024).

Key provisions

  • Expands the existing Section 22–612 (Transportation Article) to include Howard County.
  • Allows a county to use up to three noise abatement monitoring systems; systems may be redeployed to multiple locations at different times.
  • Definitions/specifications:
    • “Noise measuring device” activates at ≥5 decibels above statutory maximum, records audio and decibel levels, and permits manual review.
    • “Recorded image” must show the rear of the vehicle, a legible plate, and the decibel reading.
    • “Owner” generally means registered owner or lessee ≥6 months (excludes rental/leasing companies and certain special plates).
  • Operational safeguards and requirements copied from Chapters 624/625:
    • Local law authorizing use required after public notice and hearing.
    • Advance public notice and roadway signage consistent with State Highway Administration manuals; if moved to a new site, citations cannot be issued until signage is installed and for at least 15 days thereafter.
    • Training/certification of system operators by manufacturer; operators must complete daily setup logs.
    • Annual calibration by an independent laboratory.
    • Local designee required to respond to public inquiries, review warnings/citations, void or resend notices for administrative errors, and (in limited circumstances) waive notices.
  • Enforcement/penalties (per Chapters 624/625):
    • If no officer-issued citation at time of violation, owner/driver is subject to administrative process: first offense → warning; second/subsequent offenses → civil penalty (up to $75 under the 2024 Acts).
    • A county may not issue a citation for a vehicle during the first 30 days after a first-offense warning is mailed.
    • District Court to prescribe uniform citation and prepayment procedures; recordings admissible as evidence subject to specified safeguards.

Reporting, effective date, and sunset

  • Howard County must report to the Governor and General Assembly by March 1, 2026 (report covering system use through Jan 1, 2026) on: dates/locations of use; counts of warnings/citations by location/date; monthly implementation costs and revenues; recommended deployment locations; system performance/reliability; and effectiveness in reducing vehicle noise.
  • Bill effective July 1, 2025, and terminates on the same date as Chapters 624 & 625 (June 30, 2026).

Fiscal and operational impacts

  • State: Bill is authorizing; fiscal effects depend on county deployment. District Court estimated one‑time programming costs of about $7,096 in FY 2026 to handle citation processing; ongoing court workload can be handled with existing resources.
  • Local (Howard County): Fiscal impact depends on whether the county implements a program. County may deploy up to three systems; start‑up and operating costs could be offset (partially) by fines, but the short authorization window (ends FY 2026) makes full offset uncertain. Howard County can produce the required report with existing resources.
  • Small business effect: None identified in fiscal note.

Who is affected

  • Motor vehicle owners/drivers in Howard County (possible warnings/civil penalties).
  • Howard County government (decision whether to implement; administrative responsibilities).
  • District Court (processing citations) and system vendors/contractors (installation, training, calibration).

For further detail, see the Department of Legislative Services fiscal note (programming cost estimate ~$7,096 in FY 2026) and the bill text amending Article — Transportation §22‑612.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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