Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB979

Introduced
2/5/25  
Refer
2/5/25  
Refer
2/5/25  

Caption

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025

Impact

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.

Summary

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.

Contention

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.

Congress_id

119-HR-979

Policy_area

Science, Technology, Communications

Introduced_date

2025-02-05

Companion Bills

US SB315

Related AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule requiring AM radio capabilities to be standard in all new passenger vehicles. (AM radio is often used to deliver emergency alerts and news and entertainment programming; some newer vehicles do not include AM equipment.)Specifically, this bill applies to passenger vehicles (1) manufactured in the United States for sale in the United States, imported into the United States, or shipped in interstate commerce; and (2) manufactured after the rule's effective date. The rule must require all such vehicles to have devices that can receive signals and play content transmitted by AM stations or digital audio AM stations installed as standard equipment and made easily accessible to drivers.Prior to the rule's effective date, manufacturers that do not include devices that can access AM radio as standard equipment (1) must inform purchasers of this fact through clear and conspicuous labeling, and (2) may not charge an additional or separate fee for AM radio access.DOT may assess civil penalties for any violation of the rule. The Department of Justice may also bring a civil action to enjoin a violation.DOT’s authority to issue the rule expires 10 years after the bill’s enactment. Further, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on the dissemination of emergency alerts to the public, including by conducting an assessment of AM broadcast stations relative to other Integrated Public Alert and Warning System communication technologies. 

Previously Filed As

US SB315

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule requiring AM radio capabilities to be standard in all new passenger vehicles. (AM radio is often used to deliver emergency alerts and news and entertainment programming; some newer vehicles do not include AM equipment.)Specifically, this bill applies to passenger vehicles (1) manufactured in the United States for sale in the United States, imported into the United States, or shipped in interstate commerce; and (2) manufactured after the rule's effective date. The rule must require all such vehicles to have devices that can receive signals and play content transmitted by AM stations or digital audio AM stations installed as standard equipment and made easily accessible to drivers.Prior to the rule's effective date, manufacturers that do not include devices that can access AM radio as standard equipment (1) must inform purchasers of this fact through clear and conspicuous labeling, and (2) may not charge an additional or separate fee for AM radio access.DOT may assess civil penalties for any violation of the rule. The Department of Justice may also bring a civil action to enjoin a violation.DOT’s authority to issue the rule expires 10 years after the bill’s enactment. Further, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on the dissemination of emergency alerts to the public, including by conducting an assessment of AM broadcast stations relative to other Integrated Public Alert and Warning System communication technologies. 

Similar Bills

US SB315

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule requiring AM radio capabilities to be standard in all new passenger vehicles. (AM radio is often used to deliver emergency alerts and news and entertainment programming; some newer vehicles do not include AM equipment.)Specifically, this bill applies to passenger vehicles (1) manufactured in the United States for sale in the United States, imported into the United States, or shipped in interstate commerce; and (2) manufactured after the rule's effective date. The rule must require all such vehicles to have devices that can receive signals and play content transmitted by AM stations or digital audio AM stations installed as standard equipment and made easily accessible to drivers.Prior to the rule's effective date, manufacturers that do not include devices that can access AM radio as standard equipment (1) must inform purchasers of this fact through clear and conspicuous labeling, and (2) may not charge an additional or separate fee for AM radio access.DOT may assess civil penalties for any violation of the rule. The Department of Justice may also bring a civil action to enjoin a violation.DOT’s authority to issue the rule expires 10 years after the bill’s enactment. Further, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on the dissemination of emergency alerts to the public, including by conducting an assessment of AM broadcast stations relative to other Integrated Public Alert and Warning System communication technologies. 

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