S.315 - AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025" mandates that the Secretary of Transportation issue a rule requiring access to AM broadcast stations in all new passenger motor vehicles manufactured or sold in the United States. This includes installing devices capable of receiving AM signals as standard equipment. The Act also requires a GAO study on emergency alert dissemination and allows for digital audio AM broadcast stations to fulfill the requirement.
Expected Effects
The primary effect will be to ensure that AM radio remains accessible in vehicles, regardless of technological advancements in infotainment systems. This could preserve AM radio's role in emergency broadcasting and public information dissemination. It may also increase costs for vehicle manufacturers, potentially passed on to consumers.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures continued access to AM radio, particularly important for emergency alerts and local news.
- Preserves a traditional broadcasting medium.
- May support the financial viability of AM radio stations.
- Could enhance public safety through reliable alert systems.
- Promotes a diverse media landscape.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increases vehicle manufacturing costs, potentially raising prices for consumers.
- May stifle innovation in infotainment systems by mandating specific technology.
- Could be seen as government intervention in the free market.
- May not be the most efficient way to disseminate emergency information given technological advancements.
- Potential for increased complexity in vehicle electronics.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) as it regulates interstate commerce by setting standards for vehicles manufactured and sold across state lines. The requirement for emergency alerts could also be argued to fall under the government's responsibility to "provide for the common defence" and "insure domestic Tranquility" as stated in the Preamble. However, some may argue that mandating specific technology infringes on manufacturers' freedom, raising questions under the Fifth Amendment regarding due process and potentially the taking of private property without just compensation, although this is unlikely to be a strong argument.
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).