Congress expands federal ATM robbery law to protect cash access
S. 3798 — Safe Access to Cash Act of 2026 · Filed by Ted Cruz (R-TX) · 2 cosponsors · Introduced Feb 5, 2026 · Reported out
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What it does
This bill creates new federal criminal offenses specifically targeting ATM robbery and related crimes. It makes it a federal felony (up to 20 years) to rob someone using or servicing an ATM, or to steal from an ATM itself (1–10 years depending on amount), and increases penalties to 25–30 years if violence or weapons are used. The bill applies to all ATMs connected to financial networks, whether located inside or outside a bank building.
Why we flagged it
The bill's sole operative function is to establish new federal criminal offenses and increase penalties for ATM-related theft and robbery. It is a straightforward criminal-code amendment with no regulatory, appropriations, or collateral provisions.
What the text implies
- Expansion of federal jurisdiction over property crimes previously prosecuted primarily at state level; may increase federal caseload and resource demands on U.S. Attorneys' offices.
- The broad definition of ATM (including any network-connected terminal owned or operated by a financial institution, regardless of location) may capture machines in retail, grocery, or non-bank settings, extending federal reach into crimes that might otherwise be state/local matters.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who it affects
The bill strengthens criminal penalties for theft and robbery targeting ATM users and machines, protecting ordinary people from violent crime and property theft. It closes a potential jurisdictional gap by explicitly covering ATMs located outside bank premises, ensuring federal law enforcement can prosecute these crimes consistently.