AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2023

Bill: 118-hr-3413
Sponsor: Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Introduced: 2023-05-17 in the House
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.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-05-19
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce.
action_date: 2023-05-18
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
action_date: 2023-05-17
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology.
action_date: 2023-05-17
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2023-05-17
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2023-05-17
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2023-05-17
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2023-05-17
text: Introduced in House