Security

Safe Access to Cash Act passes the Senate

The Safe Access to Cash Act passed in the Senate.

Photo: Adobe Stock

October 1, 2026 by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

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The Safe Access to Cash Act(S.3798) has passed in the Senate. This bipartisan bill aims to address ATM theft by amending the Federal Bank Robbery Act of 1934 to apply to standalone ATMs in retail or nonbank locations, according to a press release from the office of Ted Cruz.

The bill was introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas in February 2026 and is co-sponsored by Democrat Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona and Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee. It extends federal penalties that would apply to ATMs at bank locations to offsite ATMs.

"In Texas and across the country, criminals are increasingly targeting ATMs, putting workers, bystanders, law enforcement, and first responders in danger," Sen. Cruz said in the release. "This common-sense legislation strengthens federal penalties to deter these criminals and disrupt the organized networks behind these robberies. I'm proud to have worked with my colleagues to pass this bipartisan bill through the Senate, and I urge the House to pass it and send it to the President's desk."

The bill's text reads that anyone who commits an "offense against ATM users and servicers...shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both."

It further adds that anyone who steals or attempts to steal more than $1,000 shall be fined or imprisoned 10 years, while under $1,000 can be fined or imprisoned for 1 year.

"Whoever, in committing any offense defined in this section, or in avoiding or attempting to avoid apprehension for the commission of such offense, or in freeing himself or attempting to free himself from arrest or confinement for such offense, kills any person, or forces any person to accompany the offender without the consent of such person, shall be imprisoned not more than 30 years, or, if death results, shall be imprisoned for any term of years or life," the bill reads.

This marks one of several iterations of the bill, with the first version introduced in 2022. It has been a major goal of ATM industry advocates to pass this bill, including the ATM Industry Association and the National ATM Council.

The bill has received considerable support since its February 2026 introduction, with a group of 15 attorneys general signing a letter in August 2026 urging Congress to pass the bill.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives.The House will return briefly Oct. 1 before adjourning again after the November midterm elections, according to the 2026 House Calendar. It will be out of session until Nov. 9.

"This is a great day for America's ATM operators and the millions of consumers who rely daily on retail ATMs for safe and convenient cash access. Having federal law enforcement fully engaged in stopping ATM crimes is essential to the well-being of the U.S. economy, small businesses and consumers nationwide," Bruce Renard, executive director, The National ATM Council Inc., said in a press release.

In an email interview, Lonnie C. Talbert, president of the ATMIA noted this marked a major victory for consumers and the financial infrastructure of the U.S. alike.

"By updating the outdated framework of the 1934 Federal Bank Robbery Act, this bipartisan legislation closes a critical loophole exploited by organized criminal rings targeting off-site and independent ATMs. Cash remains an absolute lifeline for millions of Americans, and safeguarding its distribution network is paramount. On behalf of the ATM Industry Association, we applaud the Senate's decisive leadership and urge the U.S. House of Representatives to act swiftly to protect small businesses, secure our cash supply chain, and bring federal penalties into the 21st century," Talbert said.

ATM Marketplace has reached out to the National ATM Council for additional comments.

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About Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper is an experienced editor for Connect Media. He has written across a wide range of beats, ranging from food to digital signage to banking, and is the current editor of ATM Marketplace and Food Truck Operator. His background is in information technology, advertising, and writing. When he’s not crafting a story, you can find him going for a run or spending time with his wife and three sons.

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