To require the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule requiring access to AM broadcast stations in passenger motor vehicles, and for other purposes.
Sponsors
Legislative Progress
ReportedReported by Mr. Cruz, with an amendment
Mr. Markey (for himself, Mr. Cruz, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Banks, …
Mr. Markey (for himself, Mr. Cruz, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Banks, …
Summary
What This Bill Does
Mandates that automakers include AM radio receivers in all new passenger vehicles. This responds to trends of automakers removing AM radios from electric vehicles due to electromagnetic interference issues, ensuring continued access to emergency broadcast capabilities.
Who Benefits and How
- AM radio broadcasters are protected from losing their vehicle-based audience as automakers electrify
- Emergency management agencies retain the AM radio network as a reliable emergency alert channel
- Rural residents maintain access to AM broadcasts which often cover areas without FM or cellular coverage
Who Bears the Burden and How
- Automobile manufacturers must include AM radio hardware in all vehicles, adding costs especially for electric vehicles requiring shielding
- Vehicle buyers may face marginally higher costs passed through from compliance requirements
Key Provisions
- Requires DOT to issue rule mandating AM broadcast station access in all new passenger vehicles
- References FEMA's IPAWS emergency alert system as justification
- Applies to all manufacturers selling passenger motor vehicles
Evidence Chain:
This summary is derived from the structured analysis below. See "Detailed Analysis" for per-title beneficiaries/burden bearers with clause-level evidence links.
Primary Purpose
Requires all new passenger vehicles to include AM radio capability to ensure public access to emergency broadcasts
Policy Domains
Legislative Strategy
"Preserve AM radio infrastructure for emergency communications by mandating vehicle inclusion"
Bill Structure & Actor Mappings
Who is "The Secretary" in each section?
- "the_secretary"
- → Secretary of Transportation
- "the_administrator"
- → FEMA Administrator
Key Definitions
Terms defined in this bill
Radio station licensed by FCC operating between 535-1705 kHz intended for public reception
As defined in 49 USC 30102
We use a combination of our own taxonomy and classification in addition to large language models to assess meaning and potential beneficiaries. High confidence means strong textual evidence. Always verify with the original bill text.
Learn more about our methodology