AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1669
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2023-05-17 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Broadcasting, cable, digital technologies
Civil actions and liability
Department of Transportation
Emergency communications systems
Government studies and investigations
Manufacturing
Motor vehicles
Transportation safety and security

Summary:
action_date: 2023-05-17
text: 

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2023

 
This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule that requires all new 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 motor vehicles manufactured in the United States, imported into the United States, or shipped in interstate commerce 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 effective date of the rule, manufacturers that do not include devices that can access AM broadcast stations as standard equipment must inform purchasers of this fact through clear and conspicuous labeling.
 
 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 whether a reliable alternative communication system exists for delivering emergency alerts and consider the (1) cost to drivers and passengers of receiving communications through an alternative system, and (2) cost and time required to develop and implement an alternative.

action_date: 2023-09-12
text: 

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2023

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.

 
 

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-09-12
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 208.
action_date: 2023-09-12
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cantwell with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2023-09-12
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cantwell with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
action_date: 2023-05-17
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2023-05-17
text: Introduced in Senate