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BILL # SB 1502 |
TITLE: public nuisance; noise; evidence |
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SPONSOR: Townsend |
STATUS: As Introduced |
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PREPARED BY: Ryan Fleischman |
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The bill would require prosecutions for violations of noise ordinances to include an accurate recording and measurement of the noise made by a peace office or code enforcement officer using a specifically defined "type 1" sound meter device or any device that accurately measures sound levels.
Estimated Impact
We estimate that this bill will have a minimal state-level fiscal impact because the Department of Public Safety (DPS) does not enforce violations of noise ordinances.
By defining acceptable sound meters to include type 1 sound meter devices or any device that accurately measures sound levels, the bill may permit officers to use a broad range of devices. During the 2020 Legislative Session, the League of Arizona Cities and Towns estimated that type 1 sound meter devices defined in this bill range in price from $230 to $2,000. The League also noted that there are many class 2 or lower meters that sell for $30 or more. Accessories including water resistant pouches, field tripods, cable converters, and calibrators are largely necessary for the functionality of these devices and, when totaled together, cost around $100.
We assume that the state impact will be minimal because DPS reports that it is not involved in enforcing noise violations.
Local Government Impact
The impact on city and county governments will depend on how cities choose to allocate devices to the approximately 13,300 local law enforcement officers and unknown number of city code enforcement officers. These decisions cannot be determined in advance.
2/18/21