AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025
The implications of HB979 are significant as it not only ensures continued access to AM radio — a vital source of information during crises — but also places restrictions on state laws regarding AM broadcasting in vehicles. The bill indicates that once enacted, states or local governments will no longer be able to create regulations that govern access to AM broadcast stations in passenger vehicles. This centralization of regulation could streamline compliance but raises concerns about local governance over such matters.
House Bill 979, known as the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025, mandates that the Secretary of Transportation shall issue regulations requiring that all new passenger motor vehicles come equipped with devices capable of receiving AM broadcast signals. This legislation is seen as a response to declining access to AM radio stations in modern vehicles, preserving an important communications medium for public safety, particularly in emergencies.
Notably, the bill does require the Secretary of Transportation to consult various stakeholders, including broadcasters and emergency management officials, to assess the needs and effectiveness of AM broadcasting in vehicles. While proponents champion the bill for enhancing public safety, there might be contention regarding the rights of individual states to regulate vehicle equipment, especially as technology continues to evolve and alternatives to AM broadcasting emerge.
Science, Technology, Communications