Driscoll's $2,000 fine for loud speakers on boats clears committee
Bill 260702 was the only item before the Licenses and Inspections Committee on Wednesday. It was reported favorably with a request to suspend the rules, which could put a final vote on the Nov. 12 agenda.
A bill that would fine people $2,000 for blasting speakers from boats on Philadelphia's rivers, creeks and lakes cleared its first hurdle Wednesday. Council's Committee on Licenses and Inspections reported Bill 260702 favorably, according to the committee's meeting record.
If you live near the Delaware or the Schuylkill, or use the water in city parks, this would be the rule for amplified sound on the water. It comes from 6th District Councilmember Mike Driscoll.
What the bill would do
According to the bill text:
- No one swimming, floating, or running a boat on a public body of water could use a sound amplification device that is plainly audible more than 100 feet away.
- "Plainly audible" means a person can hear it without a hearing aid or other device.
- Covered water includes ponds, lakes, creeks and rivers in the city that are legally open to the public.
- Covered devices include speakers, public address systems, bullhorns and megaphones.
- Uses to prevent accidents, in emergencies or by law enforcement are exempt.
- The fine is $2,000 per occurrence, and the law would take effect right away.
The 100-foot standard and $2,000 fine copy Driscoll's 2023 law on "nuisance vehicles" that play loud music, aimed at late-night car gatherings along the riverfront, the Inquirer reported at the time. In 2024, after New Jersey officials complained about noise crossing the river, Driscoll said the problem with that law was enforcement, not the rule, 6abc reported.
What our records add
- "Reported Favorably, Suspension." That is the committee's recorded result. It means the committee approved the bill and asked Council to suspend its rules so the bill can get its first reading right away, instead of waiting.
- 41 days. Driscoll introduced the bill alone on Sept. 17, and the hearing came 41 days later. No other member has signed on as a co-sponsor.
- The only item. Wednesday's agenda had nothing else on it.
- Who enforces it. The bill text does not name the agency that would patrol the water and write the tickets. Our preview raised that question last week. A video and transcript of the hearing were not yet posted when this was published, so we can't yet report what was said about it.
What's next
Because the committee asked for a suspension of the rules, the bill could be read for the first time at Council's Oct. 29 session and come up for a final vote as early as the Nov. 12 session. Bills need a first reading at one session and a final vote at a later one. If it passes, it goes to Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. Votes will appear on the bill's page after each session.