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119-s-3798119th Congress

Safe Access to Cash Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

Passed Senate

Summary

Creates a new federal ATM-robbery offense that covers attacks on people using or servicing ATMs and thefts from machines whether they sit on bank premises or out in public. The bill defines ATMs and related offenses and sets federal penalties for theft, assault, and killings tied to ATM crimes.

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  • Families and ATM users: People using or servicing ATMs would be protected by a federal crime for attacks, extortion, or intimidation. Violent attacks on users or servicers can carry up to 20 years in prison.
  • Banks and ATM operators: Theft from an ATM of more than $1,000 becomes a federal offense punishable by up to 10 years. Theft under $1,000 is punishable by up to 1 year.
  • Offenders and handlers of stolen property: Receiving, selling, or hiding property taken from an ATM is punished the same as the original taker. Using a weapon in connection with an ATM offense can bring up to 25 years, and killing or forcing someone to accompany the offender can bring up to 30 years or life if death results.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Stronger federal penalties for ATM crimes

If enacted, this bill would make ATM robberies, assaults, and extortion a federal crime, with up to 20 years for taking money from ATM users, servicers, or cash couriers. Breaking into or stealing from an ATM would be a federal crime too: taking over $1,000 would carry up to 10 years; $1,000 or less up to 1 year. Anyone who knowingly sells or holds stolen ATM cash or parts would face the same value‑based penalties. Penalties would rise to up to 25 years if a weapon is used or someone is assaulted. Forcing someone to go with the offender or killing someone during the crime or escape would mean up to 30 years; if death results, any term of years or life.

Which ATMs the bill would cover

If enacted, this bill would define an ATM as a network‑connected machine that lets bank, credit union, or savings‑and‑loan customers use a card or access device to withdraw, deposit, or check balances. It would cover ATMs on or off a bank’s property, including those owned, operated, or sponsored by these institutions. It would use the same definitions of bank, credit union, and savings and loan as existing federal law.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

TX • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ]

    AZ • D

    Sponsored 2/5/2026

  • Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]

    TN • R

    Sponsored 3/5/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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