Sponsors (318)
The bill preserves AM broadcast access and clarifies technical and agency definitions to support emergency alerting and automated-vehicle standards, but it likely raises vehicle costs, may constrain automaker design/innovation, and increases compliance and enforcement burdens.
Drivers and vehicle occupants will continue to receive AM broadcasts in new passenger vehicles, preserving access to emergency alerts and local news.
Device manufacturers and broadcasters get clearer statutory definitions (e.g., "device", "digital audio AM broadcast station"), reducing regulatory uncertainty for product design and compliance.
The bill specifies "automated driving system" as SAE J3016 Levels 3–5, giving manufacturers and DOT a consistent standard for regulation and safety oversight.
Requiring AM receivers in new passenger vehicles could raise manufacturing costs that are likely passed on to buyers, increasing vehicle prices.
Mandating AM equipment may constrain automakers' design and innovation choices—especially for vehicles with advanced automated driving systems.
Adopting SAE Levels 3–5 without specifying liability or safety requirements could raise consumer expectations and impose regulatory burdens on manufacturers.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Requires DOT to adopt a rule making AM radio reception standard equipment in new passenger vehicles and sets reporting, timing, labeling, and small‑manufacturer lead‑time provisions.
Introduced February 5, 2025 by Gus Bilirakis · Last progress September 16, 2026
Requires the Secretary of Transportation, after consulting FEMA and the FCC, to issue a rule within one year that makes AM radio reception standard equipment in passenger motor vehicles manufactured for sale or import into the United States; the rule must make AM access easily accessible and may allow reception of digital audio AM broadcasts. Before issuing the rule the Secretary must submit and publish a report assessing any risks to automated driving systems and possible mitigations. The rule must take effect within two years of issuance (with longer lead time allowed for very small manufacturers) and interim labeling and fee rules apply to vehicles sold before the rule’s effective date that lack AM reception.