S.315 - AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025" (S.315) mandates that the Secretary of Transportation issue a rule requiring all passenger motor vehicles manufactured or sold in the United States to include devices capable of receiving AM broadcast stations as standard equipment. The bill emphasizes easy access for drivers and allows manufacturers to comply by installing devices that can receive digital audio AM broadcasts. It also includes provisions for a GAO study on emergency alert dissemination and a review of IPAWS communication technologies.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to ensure continued access to AM radio in vehicles, regardless of technological advancements in automotive entertainment systems. This could be particularly important for accessing emergency alerts and local news, especially in areas with limited internet or cellular connectivity. The bill also preempts state laws regarding AM radio access in vehicles, establishing a uniform national standard.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures access to AM radio for emergency alerts through IPAWS.
- Preserves access to local news and community information.
- Maintains a free and accessible communication medium for all citizens.
- Provides a backup communication system during emergencies when other technologies may fail.
- Mandates a GAO study to improve emergency alert dissemination.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased manufacturing costs for vehicles, potentially passed on to consumers.
- May stifle innovation in automotive entertainment systems by mandating specific technology.
- Potential for government overreach in mandating specific features in private vehicles.
- The sunset clause after 10 years creates uncertainty about long-term access to AM radio in vehicles.
- Preemption of state laws limits state autonomy in regulating vehicle features.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is rooted in Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3). By mandating a feature in vehicles manufactured and sold across state lines, the bill falls under this purview. The requirement for a GAO study on emergency alerts could also be argued as promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. However, some might argue that mandating specific technology in vehicles infringes upon individual liberty, though this argument is less strong.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).