Safe Access to Cash Act of 2026
ATM Safety: New Federal Penalties for Robbery and Theft
The Safe Access to Cash Act of 2026 has been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and is now waiting for a vote by the full Senate. It is currently placed on the legislative calendar and is actively moving through the process. There are no other scheduled actions at this time.
Legislative Progress
The bill has strong bipartisan support and has already successfully moved through the committee process, which is a major step toward becoming law.
Key Points
- This bill makes it a federal crime to rob or threaten people while they are using or fixing an ATM. It also protects workers who are transporting or delivering cash to be loaded into the machines.
- The law would apply to all ATMs connected to a financial network. This includes machines found in convenience stores or on sidewalks, not just those located inside a bank building.
- People who break into or damage an ATM to steal more than $1,000 could face up to 10 years in prison. If the amount stolen is less than $1,000, the penalty is up to one year.
- The harshest punishments are saved for violent acts. Using a dangerous weapon during an ATM crime could lead to 25 years in prison, and killing someone during the crime could result in a life sentence.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 350.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Safe Access to Cash Act of 2026
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(2)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.