HB 617 Maryland House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

City of Frederick - Noise Abatement Monitoring Systems - Authorization

HB 617 authorizes the City of Frederick to use noise monitoring systems to enforce existing motor vehicle noise limits. The bill allows Frederick to deploy up to three fixed or mobile systems that automatically capture images of vehicles exceeding noise thresholds (by at least 5 decibels), along with decibel readings and license plate details. Before use, the city must post locations online and install visible signage, and vehicle owners can request reviews of issued notices. This directly affects drivers whose vehicles exceed noise limits in Frederick, with enforcement handled through the city’s designated official. The bill amends Maryland’s vehicle code to add these specific monitoring procedures for Frederick.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 30, 2026 Last action Apr 9, 2026
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What changed between versions

First - City of Frederick - Noise Abatement Monitoring Systems - Authorization Third - City of Frederick - Noise Abatement Monitoring Systems - Authorization · 4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was advanced to a third reading and adopted by the House, adding a favorable committee report. Substantively, the bill was reorganized to expand its applicability from just Montgomery County to include Prince George's County and the City of Frederick. The definitions were also adjusted to clarify that 'Agency' refers to local law enforcement in these jurisdictions and to update the list of what constitutes a 'Recorded image' for noise violation enforcement.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded from Montgomery County only to include Prince George's County and the City of Frederick.
SCOPE

Added Prince George's County and the City of Frederick to the list of jurisdictions authorized to use noise abatement monitoring systems.

DEFINITION

Reordered and slightly modified the definitions section to clarify that 'Agency' refers to local law enforcement in the specified jurisdictions.

Updated the definition of 'Recorded image' to include 'Any other medium' as a valid format for evidence.

TIMELINE

Added a favorable committee report and recorded the bill's adoption and second reading date.

Floor votes · House of Delegates Mar 19, 2026

How they voted

10728
Passed · 7 other
Total votes 142
Mar 19, 2026
D Democratic103
99 Yea 4
96% Yea
R Republican39
8 Yea 28 Nay 3
71% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
11
Key actions
4
Committee
5
Apr 9, 2026
Committee
Rereferred to Judicial Proceedings
upper
Apr 7, 2026
Committee
Referred Rules
upper
Apr 6, 2026
Lower · Passed
Third Reading Passed
lower
Apr 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
lower
Apr 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation
lower
Mar 19, 2026
House Of Delegates · Passed
House of Delegates Vote: pass (107-28-7)
house of delegates
Jan 30, 2026
Committee
First Reading Environment and Transportation
lower
3 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors