“we as a society determine what laws we implement and we do not have to implement this law.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user John Sonderman

“Dear PoPville,

It would be great if you could share this information on a bill pending with DC council’s committee of the whole. The bill can be found here.

This bill proposes a penalty of up to $300 and/or up to 10 days in jail for anyone who amplifies noise beyond 80 decibels as heard in the nearest occupied residence. 80 decibels is equivalent to a propeller plane flying 1,000 feet above your home.

I’d encourage everyone to reach out through the below avenues to voice their opposition against this bill. Jail time for nuisance violations is not a good use of tax payer funds.

It also will have a negative impact on communities that enjoy activities that involve music in public spaces. Lastly I fear that neighbors will use this as a way to call the police to punish individuals instead of trying to be inclusive and understanding of cultural practices that may be different from one’s own.

Now a response may be “well it’s the law and they should follow it,” but we as a society determine what laws we implement and we do not have to implement this law. Hope you guys agree. Please reach out to oppose the Amplified Noise Act Amendment of 2018.

How you can reach out:
Residents have 10 days to submit additional testimony.
Those who wish to testify are asked to email the Committee of the Whole at [email protected], OR call Sydney Hawthorne at (202) 724-7130, Councilmember Cheh (202)724-8062
[email protected]
[email protected]”