What changed between these versions
A substantive modification. Section 3(h) of the bill was significantly altered to change the sunset provision. While v1 sunset the Secretary's *authority to issue* the rule after 10 years, v2 mandates that the *rule itself* shall sunset and no longer be in effect after 10 years from the date of enactment, including the authority to enforce it.
Overview
A single, but highly significant, change to the bill's sunset provision. · v2 narrows the long-term effect and permanence of the legislation by imposing a sunset on the rule itself, rather than just the authority to issue it.
The primary change in v2 is a critical modification to the sunset clause in Section 3(h). This alteration shifts the sunset from the Secretary's authority to *issue* the AM radio mandate rule to the *rule itself*, meaning the entire regulation will cease to be effective after 10 years. All other substantive provisions, including the requirement for AM radio in vehicles, definitions, compliance timelines, and the GAO study, remain unchanged.
Modifications
This change means that any rule issued under this Act will have a finite lifespan of 10 years from the date of enactment, rather than potentially being permanent if issued within the 10-year window. This significantly limits the long-term regulatory impact on vehicle manufacturers and ensures a mandatory re-evaluation or re-legislation would be required to continue the mandate beyond a decade.
Before
In v1, Section 3(h) stated that the Secretary of Transportation's *authority to issue* the rule requiring AM broadcast stations in vehicles would expire 10 years after the Act's enactment.
After
In v2, Section 3(h) states that the *rule itself*, once issued, shall sunset and no longer be in effect 10 years after the Act's enactment, along with the Secretary's authority to carry out or enforce it.
Scope
Meaningful expansion or narrowing — The changes are highly concentrated in a single subsection, Section 3(h). — Yes, v2 represents a meaningful change in policy direction regarding the longevity and permanence of the mandated rule, shifting from a potentially permanent rule (if issued) to a time-limited one. — The change in Section 3(h) directly impacts the long-term effect and enforceability of the rule required by Section 3(a), making its operative period finite.
Impact analysis
Vehicle manufacturers
This group gains a clearer, time-limited regulatory obligation, rather than a potentially indefinite one.
Under v1, manufacturers would be subject to a rule that, once issued, could be permanent. Under v2, the rule they must comply with will automatically expire after 10 years.
Consumers and the public relying on AM radio for emergency alerts
This group potentially loses the assurance of long-term mandated AM radio access in new vehicles.
Under v1, access to AM radio in vehicles, once mandated, could be a permanent feature. Under v2, this mandated access will cease after 10 years unless new legislation is passed.