Assembly passes car stereo limits despite opposition

Erin Neff

Monday, April 9, 2001 | 10:28 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Booming bass sounds emitted from motor vehicles often come from rap music.

So several assemblyman voted against a bill Friday that would restrict the noise level emitted by amplified stereo systems because they said it specifically targets minorities who listen to rap.

Others voted against Assembly Bill 481 because they didn't see how police could enforce it, or why the law is even needed.

But by a 24-13 margin, the Assembly did pass the bill prohibiting amplified noise from being emitted more than 25 feet from motor vehicles in operation on any street. Five lawmakers were absent for the vote.

Assemblywoman Vonne Chowning, D-North Las Vegas, sponsored the bill after constituents complained they couldn't enjoy the quiet of their homes without window-shaking bass sounds driving through their neighborhoods.

"This is the number one complaint I've heard from constituents," Chowning said.

The bill exempts emergency vehicles and ice cream trucks from the regulation.

Morse Arberry, D-Las Vegas, voted against the bill because he believes it will lead to targeted enforcement of minorities.

"It singles out a certain type of music and the people who listen to it," Arberry said.

Chowning's district is predominantly Hispanic.

Doug Bache, D-Las Vegas, voted against the bill because both the city of Las Vegas and Clark County currently have similar regulations. In Las Vegas, the sound cannot travel more than 50 feet from a motor vehicle. In Clark County, the sound cannot travel more than 75 feet.

"We already have ordinances," Bache said. "Why do we need another?"

Greg Brower, R-Reno, said he thought disturbing the peace regulations could be applied in counties like Washoe, which currently have no specific noise ordinances related to amplified sounds from motor vehicles.

"The state shouldn't be doing it," Brower said.

Those voting no were: Arberry; Bache; Bob Beers, R-Las Vegas; Brower; Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas; Joe Dini, D-Yerington; Chris Giunchigliani, D-Las Vegas; David Goldwater, D-Las Vegas; Sheila Leslie, D-Reno; Mark Manendo, D-Las Vegas; Roy Neighbors, D-Tonopah; Debbie Smith, D-Sparks; and Wendell Williams, D-Las Vegas.

The bill now goes to the Senate.