WASHINGTON, DC?– Today, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) and Congressman John Rose (TN-06) introduced the bipartisan Safe Access to Cash Act to combat crimes against or involving ATMs including – theft, robbery, and assault.

“Robberies against small business are on the rise, and businesses with ATMs are being especially targeted. Along with these robberies, individuals are being mugged and forced to withdraw money from nearby ATMs. All ATM robberies cause great harm to our communities, and these robberies should be treated as the same crime, whether they are occurring at a bank-hosted ATM or an independent ATM located in a small business.

It is clear that immediate action must be taken to combat this rise in ATM related crimes. The Safe Access to Cash Act will strengthen enforcement mechanisms to deter criminals and protect small businesses and individuals. This bipartisan legislation is an important step forward in our fight to protect public safety,” said Rep. Maloney.

“Independent ATMs serve as a lifeline to the underbanked and those lacking access to traditional financial services. I’m proud to support this common-sense bill which gives independent ATMs the same federal legal protections under the Bank Robbery Act as other ATMs,” said Rep. Rose.

Background:

The Safe Access to Cash Act would provide to the users, servicers, and owners of nonbank ATMs—a majority of the ATMs in the nation—the same federal protections that are provided to bank-owned ATMs. By doing so, it will allow the small businesses which host these ATMs to have the same level of protection as those located in bank branches. This legislation would additionally grant the FBI authority to investigate these crimes, and for the U.S. Attorney for the jurisdiction for which it occurred to prosecute these crimes.

Endorsements: National ATM Council (NAC), National Armored Car Association (NACA), Secured Cash and Transport Association (SCTA)