Overview

• Bill requires Transportation Secretary to issue rule mandating AM radio receivers in all new passenger vehicles manufactured, imported, or sold in the U.S.
• Reported out of House Energy and Commerce Committee with amendments on November 12, 2025
• Bipartisan bill with over 300 cosponsors from both parties

Who does this affect?

• Car manufacturers: Must install AM radio receivers as standard equipment at no extra charge to buyers
• Car buyers: All new vehicles will include AM radio access, ensuring emergency alert capability
• Rural communities: Benefit from maintained access to local news and emergency broadcasts in areas with limited cell coverage
• Teen impact score: 4/10 (indirect relevance through family vehicle access and emergency preparedness)

What This Bill Does

• Transportation Secretary must issue rule within 1 year of enactment requiring AM radio devices in new passenger vehicles
• Rule takes effect 2 years after issuance for most manufacturers; small manufacturers (≤40,000 vehicles sold in 2022) get 4 years
• Manufacturers can comply by installing digital AM radio receivers instead of traditional analog
• During interim period before rule takes effect, manufacturers selling cars without AM radio must label vehicles clearly and cannot charge subscription fees for AM access
• States and localities prohibited from creating their own AM radio requirements for vehicles
• Violations subject to civil penalties under existing motor vehicle safety law (49 U.S.C. 30165)
• Government Accountability Office must study emergency alert systems within 1 year, assessing whether AM radio remains necessary for reaching 90% of population during crises
• Transportation Secretary must review rule's impact every 5 years and report to Congress
• Entire law sunsets 8 years after enactment—requirement expires automatically

Legislative Status

• Introduced February 5, 2025 by Representatives Bilirakis and Pallone
• Reported favorably by House Energy and Commerce Committee November 12, 2025
• Homeland Security and Transportation committees discharged same day
• Placed on Union Calendar, awaiting House floor consideration

In short

• All new cars must include AM radio receivers within 2-4 years of rule issuance.
• Manufacturers cannot charge extra fees for AM radio access during transition period.
• Government will study whether AM radio remains essential for emergency alerts.
• Law expires automatically after 8 years unless Congress renews it.
• Supporters cite emergency preparedness; some automakers argue AM interferes with electric vehicle systems.

Why should I care?

AM radio has been a car staple for decades, but some automakers recently removed it from electric vehicles, claiming electromagnetic interference with batteries. This bill forces the issue back, requiring all new cars to include AM capability. The emergency preparedness angle matters during hurricanes, wildfires, or other disasters when cell towers fail but AM stations—often with backup generators—keep broadcasting evacuation routes and safety information. The 8-year sunset clause means Congress will revisit whether this technology mandate still makes sense as communication systems evolve. For families buying new vehicles, this guarantees free access to AM stations without subscription fees.