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.
AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 3, 2025
Bottom line
The bill seeks to preserve AM radio access in new vehicles, primarily for emergency communication purposes, by mandating its inclusion as standard equipment, while also initiating a study on broader emergency alert systems.
What it actually does
This bill mandates that the Secretary of Transportation issue a rule requiring all new passenger motor vehicles sold in the United States to include devices capable of receiving and playing AM broadcast stations as standard equipment. It also establishes interim labeling requirements for vehicles lacking AM radio before the rule takes effect and preempts state laws on the matter. Additionally, the bill commissions a comprehensive GAO study on emergency alert dissemination and includes a sunset clause for the rule after 10 years.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that AM radio remains a vital, resilient, and free source of information during emergencies, especially in rural areas or when other communication infrastructure fails. They contend that removing AM radio from vehicles jeopardizes public safety and access to critical alerts, making this mandate a necessary measure to ensure a robust emergency communication network.
Opponents contend
Opponents, primarily some automakers, contend that mandating specific technologies stifles innovation and adds unnecessary costs to vehicles, which may be passed on to consumers. They argue that modern vehicles offer multiple alternative channels for emergency alerts (e.g., cellular, satellite, internet-based) and that AM radio is an outdated technology facing technical challenges, particularly electromagnetic interference in electric vehicles.
The bill is relatively short and clearly structured, making it accessible for an informed reader to understand its core provisions within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 3(a)
Mandate for AM Broadcast Stations in Vehicles
This provision requires the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule within one year of the bill's enactment. This rule will mandate that all new passenger motor vehicles manufactured for sale or imported into the U.S. must include devices capable of receiving and playing AM broadcast signals as standard equipment. Manufacturers can comply by installing devices that receive traditional AM or digital audio AM broadcast stations.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this mandate is crucial for public safety, ensuring that drivers and passengers have access to emergency alerts and local information via AM radio, especially during disasters when other communication systems may fail.
Critics contend
Critics contend that this mandate imposes unnecessary costs on manufacturers and consumers, limits innovation, and that other, more modern communication technologies can fulfill emergency alert functions effectively.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances public safety concerns regarding emergency communications with market freedom for automakers and potential cost implications for consumers.
Section 3(b)
Compliance Deadlines for Manufacturers
This section sets the effective dates for the rule mandated in subsection (a). For most vehicle manufacturers, the rule will take effect between 2 and 3 years after its issuance. However, smaller manufacturers, defined as those producing no more than 40,000 passenger vehicles for sale in the U.S. in 2022, are granted a longer compliance period of at least 4 years after the rule's issuance.
Section 3(c)
Interim Labeling and No Surcharge Requirement
During the period between the bill's enactment and the effective date of the DOT rule, manufacturers of new passenger vehicles that do not include AM radio must clearly label these vehicles to inform purchasers of the absence of AM broadcast reception. Furthermore, manufacturers are prohibited from charging any additional fee or surcharge for access to AM broadcast stations during this interim period.
Section 3(f)
GAO Study on Emergency Alert Dissemination
This section directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to conduct a comprehensive study on how emergency alerts and warnings are disseminated to the public. The study must assess the role of vehicles, including AM radio, in IPAWS communications, compare the effectiveness and resilience of AM radio to other technologies, and evaluate whether current systems can reach 90% of the U.S. population during a crisis. It also requires consultation with various stakeholders and a report to Congress.
Section 3(g)
Periodic Review of Rule Impacts and IPAWS Technologies
This provision requires the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Administrator of FEMA and the FCC, to submit a report to Congress at least every 5 years after the rule's issuance. This report must assess the impacts of the AM radio mandate, particularly on public safety, and evaluate potential changes to IPAWS communication technologies to ensure resilient and accessible alerts for vehicle occupants.
This section states that after the date of enactment, no State or political subdivision of a State may prescribe or continue in effect any law, regulation, or other requirement applicable to access to AM broadcast stations in passenger motor vehicles.
Section 3(d)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for establishing uniform national standards in areas where federal regulation is deemed necessary, preventing a patchwork of state laws.
Case for: Proponents argue that federal preemption ensures a consistent national standard for AM radio access in vehicles, simplifying compliance for manufacturers and guaranteeing uniform public safety benefits across all states.
Case against: Critics of federal preemption in general might argue that it limits states' abilities to respond to local needs or to innovate with their own regulatory approaches, though in this specific case, the desire for uniformity is strong.
Estimated impact: Prevents potentially diverse state-level regulations, ensuring a single federal standard for vehicle manufacturers.
The rule issued pursuant to subsection (a) shall sunset and no longer be in effect on the date that is 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act, including the authority of the Secretary to carry out or enforce that rule.
Section 3(h)
Why it matters:Sunset clauses are often included to provide a temporal limit to a policy, allowing for future re-evaluation and potential renewal, but they can be placed at the end of a bill where they are less prominent.
Case for: Proponents of the sunset clause argue it ensures the mandate is not permanent, allowing Congress to revisit the issue in 10 years to assess technological advancements, the continuing relevance of AM radio for emergency alerts, and the overall effectiveness of the rule.
Case against: Critics might argue that a sunset clause creates uncertainty for manufacturers and could lead to a lapse in a critical public safety measure if not renewed, potentially requiring another disruptive transition.
Estimated impact: Limits the duration of the AM radio mandate to 10 years, requiring future legislative action for its continuation.