HB 356 — The authority of certain counties to regulate noise leve
This bill covers the authority of certain counties to regulate noise levels in residential areas; creating a criminal offense.
This bill covers the authority of certain counties to regulate noise levels in residential areas; creating a criminal offense.
Author: Walle. Filed: 11/09/2026 (H Filed). Caption: “Relating to the authority of certain counties to regulate noise levels in residential areas; creating a criminal offense.”
Subjects: County Government--General (I0096), Environment--Noise (I0335). Council document: see the Legislature history page.
Full bill text (Introduced)
Official text from the Texas Legislature. Bill history for HB 356 · Bill text (HTML).
90R152 CS-F By: Walle H.B. No. 356 relating to the authority of certain counties to regulate noise levels in residential areas; creating a criminal offense.
SECTION 1. Chapter 240, Local Government Code, is amended by adding Subchapter D to read as follows: SUBCHAPTER D. REGULATION OF NOISE LEVELS IN CERTAIN COUNTIES Sec. 240.061. AUTHORITY TO REGULATE. (a) To promote public health, safety, and welfare, the commissioners court of a county with a population of more than 3.3 million by order may regulate the level of noise emanating from a residence located in a residential area in the unincorporated area of the county. (b) This section does not authorize the commissioners court of a county to regulate the use of fireworks. Sec. 240.062. CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) A person commits an offense if the person on three or more occasions violates an order adopted under this subchapter. (b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2027.
Sources: Texas Legislature, Today's Filed Bills in the House (11/09/2026), HB 356; 90th Legislature BillLookup history and Introduced bill text.