Sponsors (318)
Introduced February 5, 2025 by Gus Bilirakis · Last progress February 5, 2025
The bill secures in-vehicle AM broadcast access and clarifies statutory definitions to improve emergency-alert consistency, while imposing added costs, potential coverage gaps, and regulatory rigidity that could burden automakers, broadcasters, and small businesses.
Drivers and passengers nationwide will retain in-vehicle access to AM broadcasts, preserving a widespread emergency-alert channel in new vehicles.
State and local emergency managers get clearer statutory definitions (e.g., FEMA, IPAWS, 'signal'), enabling more consistent emergency alert implementation across jurisdictions.
Broadcasters, device makers, manufacturers, and regulators receive harmonized definitions (e.g., 'device', 'manufacturer', 'AM broadcast station'), reducing regulatory ambiguity and easing cross-agency compliance.
Buyers of new vehicles (drivers and families) may face higher prices because requiring standard AM receivers increases manufacturing costs.
Automakers and suppliers could incur added design and integration costs—the mandate may complicate integration with automated driving systems—potentially delaying innovation or increasing compliance costs.
Some broadcasters and reception modes (e.g., all-digital AM stations, internet/satellite receivers, streaming services) may be excluded by narrow 'digital audio' and 'receive' definitions, creating coverage gaps and leaving services or devices out of the rule's protections.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Requires new passenger vehicles to include a built‑in AM radio receiver/playback device as standard equipment, allows digital AM, and sets rulemaking and compliance timelines with a small‑manufacturer delay.
Requires new passenger vehicles sold or imported into the U.S. to include a built-in device that receives and plays AM radio signals as standard equipment, allows digital AM solutions, and directs agencies to write the exact rule on timing and technical requirements. The Secretary of Transportation must issue the rule within 1 year, make it effective no more than 2 years after issuance (with at least a 4‑year delay for small‑volume manufacturers), and require an interim label on cars made after enactment but before the rule takes effect if they lack AM reception. The Secretary must also deliver a report to specified congressional committees assessing impacts on automated driving systems and manufacturer mitigation options before issuing the rule.