Committee says ‘Turn it Down’: Bill Criminalizes Playing Obscene Music at High Volume in Vehicles

The Senate Criminal Jurisprudence Committee on Wednesday approved a measure that would establish a misdemeanor for the public playing of obscene music in vehicles.

Sen. Jeff Rabon said he was motivated to file the Legislation after hearing about incidents where families had been exposed to obscene music in public places such as gas stations and parking lots.

“As a father, I felt it was important to see if we could find a way to keep things like this from our kids,” said Rabon, D-Hugo. “No one should have to worry about being subjected to such filth when they stop at a public place. Handing out a few fines should help reverse this unwelcome trend.”

Senate Bill 2021 would make the willful playing of any loud, unusual or obscene music or continuous noise from a vehicle illegal, provided that the sounds can be heard from a distance of 50 or more feet.

“Not only is this noise assault rude and offensive, but it’s also a public safety issue,” Rabon said. “It can make it nearly impossible to hear emergency sirens.”

The bill would establish a penalty of $350 or up to 30 days in jail for the misdemeanor. The measure will now advance to the full Senate.