The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee voted by voice to approve legislation (S.315) that would direct the administration to require car manufacturers to install AM radio-capable devices in new passenger vehicles without additional charge.

The measure has been sent to the Senate floor as part of the committee’s first markup of legislation this Congress, signaling it as a priority for the new chairman, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), as senators cite communication needs during recent storms as a reason to move forward.

Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) reintroduced the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule that requires all new passenger motor vehicles to have devices that can access AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment. (AM broadcast stations are 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 motor vehicles (1) manufactured in the United States, imported into the United States, or shipped in interstate commerce; and (2) manufactured after the rule's effective date.

The DOT rule must require all such vehicles to have devices that can receive signals and play content transmitted by AM broadcast stations or digital audio AM broadcast stations installed as standard equipment.

Prior to the rule's effective date, manufacturers that do not include devices that can access AM broadcast stations as standard equipment (1) must inform purchasers of this fact through clear and conspicuous labeling; and (2) may not charge an additional or separate monetary fee, payment, or surcharge for AM broadcast station access.

DOT may assess civil penalties against any manufacturer that fails to comply with the mandate. The Department of Justice may also bring a civil action to enjoin a violation.

Further, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on the dissemination of emergency alerts and warnings to the public, including (1) an assessment of AM broadcast stations relative to other Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) communication technologies, and (2) the integration of new and emerging technologies and communication platforms into the IPAWS framework.

“As we witness more tragic climate change-induced disasters like the wildfires in Los Angeles, broadcast AM radio continues to be a critical tool for communication. AM radio is a lifeline for people across the country for news, sports, and especially emergency information,” said Senator Markey. “Tens of millions of listeners across the country have made clear that they want AM radio to remain in their vehicles. Our AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act heeds their words and ensures that this essential tool doesn’t get lost on the dial.”

“During weather disasters or power outages, AM radio is consistently the most reliable form of communication and is critical to keep millions of Texans safe. AM radio has long been a haven for people to express differing viewpoints, allowing free speech and our robust democratic process to flourish for decades. I am honored to once again partner with Sen. Markey on this bipartisan legislation on behalf of our constituents who depend on AM radio and public airwaves for access to news, music, talk, and emergency alerts,” said Senator Cruz.

Should Congress pass S.315, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act?