The Safe Access to Cash Act of 2026 creates new federal crimes specifically targeting ATM-related offenses, closing a gap in current law that only covers crimes at bank branches. The bill establishes criminal penalties for robbing people using ATMs, stealing from the machines themselves, and assaulting people during these crimes, with sentences ranging from one year for stealing less than $1,000 from an ATM to life in prison if someone is killed during the commission of these offenses. The legislation affects anyone who uses, services, or operates ATMs, as well as those who transport cash to these machines, by providing enhanced federal protection against violent crimes and theft. The bill applies to all network-connected ATMs regardless of whether they are located on bank property, extending federal jurisdiction to standalone machines in convenience stores, shopping centers, and other locations. Introduced by Senators Cruz, Gallego, and Blackburn in February 2026, the bill was reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee with amendments in March 2026 and contains no specific funding provisions or implementation timelines.
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