SESSION OF 2024
SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE ON HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION NO. 5026
As Recommended by House Committee on
Agriculture and Natural Resources

Brief*
HCR 5026 would make various findings regarding the
tradition and importance of AM radio. The resolution would
also state the Legislature:
● Supports the federal AM Radio for Every Vehicle
Act (Act) and recognizes the importance of
maintaining access to AM radio in vehicles
nationwide;
● Emphasizes the critical role of AM radio in serving
the informational needs of rural communities,
supporting the agriculture industry, and enhancing
emergency preparedness; and
● Urges the federal government to ensure continued
accessibility to AM radio in vehicles through the
passage of the Act and policies that maintain its
crucial role.
The resolution would require the Secretary of State to
send enrolled copies of the resolution to the President of the
United States, Vice President, Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Senate President, and each member of the
Kansas congressional delegation.
[Note: The Act (S.1669) was introduced by U.S. Senator
Edward Markey of Massachusetts and would require the U.S.
____________________
*Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research
Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental
note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at
http://www.kslegislature.org
Department of Transportation 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,
news, and entertainment programming; some newer vehicles
do not include AM equipment. On July 27, 2023, the bill was
placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General
Orders.]

Background
The resolution was introduced by Representative Rahjes
and 30 other representatives.

House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources
In the House Committee hearing on March 19, 2024,
Representative Rahjes and the President of the Kansas
Association of Broadcasters provided proponent testimony.
The proponents stated the importance of AM radio, especially
as it is the backbone of the National Emergency Alert System,
which delivers critical alerts and warnings during severe
weather events, natural disasters, and other emergencies. In
rural areas where other forms of communication may be
limited, AM radio remains a lifeline for many Kansans.
Written-only proponent testimony was provided by a
representative of Kansas Farm Bureau, which stated the
American Farm Bureau Federation joined other agriculture
organizations in support of the Act.
No other testimony was provided.
AM Radio; federal AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act


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