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.
