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New Jersey bill would require 911 call line at ATMs

The proposed law would require all ATM sites to have a dedicated phone line that establishes an immediate voice connection to emergency services.

January 13, 2015

A bill submitted to the New Jersey Assembly by Vincent Prieto, a Democrat, would require ATMs to provide a dedicated phone connection for emergency calls, a Stateside Alert reports.

In summary, New Jersey A.B. 1240 — "ATM User Security" specifies as follows:

Requires automated teller machine locations to contain a dedicated voice telephone line operable by a single switch that establishes an immediate connection to 9-1-1 or E-9-1-1 emergency service, where that service is available. Requires that the switch be activated through the use of an automated teller machine access device.

Provides that each automated teller machine must have displayed, in a conspicuous place, a warning notice that any person who knowingly makes a false alarm or places a call through the 9-1-1 or E-9-1-1 emergency telephone system will be subject to prosecution for a criminal offense.

The bill has been introduced to the assembly and referred to that body's Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. Following a hearing, the bill was passed by the committee on Jan 12. It may next be heard on the floor, according to the alert.

The measure has garnered the support of one cosponsor. A similar measure was introduced by the sponsor during the previous session as A.B. 1743, but was not taken up by the committee before the end of the session. A companion senate bill to the resubmitted legislation is S.B. 1097.

The Democratic party controls both chambers of the New Jersey legislature; the governor, Chris Christie, is a member of the Republican party.