U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), have introduced the Safe Access to Cash Act to expand federal criminal penalties to cover robberies involving standalone automatic teller machines (ATMs).
Under current law, the Federal Bank Robbery Act of 1934 applies to banks and financial institutions. Still, it does not explicitly extend to off-site ATMs located in malls, convenience stores, gas stations, and other public locations.
The proposed legislation would ensure that robberies targeting these standalone ATMs carry the same federal penalties as on-site bank robberies.
"ATM thefts have surged across Texas and across the country, putting our citizens, workers, bystanders, and first responders in danger," said Sen. Cruz. "Federal penalties will deter criminals and shut down organized networks targeting ATMs. This legislation is a commonsense measure that will enhance the ability to hold criminals accountable."
Sen. Gallego emphasized the impact on small business consumers.
"ATMs at gas stations and corner stores provide critical access to cash for Americans, but with increasing robbery rates, many small businesses can't afford the risk of keeping an ATM," said Gallego. "No one should have to fear for their safety or their business just to have access to an ATM."
ATM robberies have increased significantly since 2019, and criminals can reportedly steal an ATM in as little as three minutes, and machines may contain up to $250,000 in cash. Houston is currently tied with Chicago and Philadelphia among cities facing serious ATM theft activity.
National ATM Council (NAC) Board Chair Patrick Conner, the CEO of ATMPartmart, praised the proposal.
"This bill is crucial in addressing the ongoing vital need for safe and secure access to cash by Americans everywhere," said Conner. "With the recent huge jump in these types of crimes, this commonsense legislation is now more important than ever."
If enacted, the Safe Access to Cash Act would align federal robbery statutes with modern banking infrastructure, and it would deter increasingly organized ATM theft operations.
