Attorney General Hanaway Urges Congress to Strengthen Federal Penalties for ATM Attacks

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Today, Attorney General Hanaway announced that she has joined a 15-state coalition in urging Congress to pass S. 3798, the Safe Access to Cash Act. The legislation would strengthen efforts to prosecute organized crime rings that are robbing automated teller machines (ATMs) nationwide.

“Organized criminal networks are targeting ATMs in our communities, putting the public at risk and exploiting gaps in federal law,” said Attorney General Hanaway. “I urge Congress to close these loopholes now so law enforcement has the necessary tools to restore order, protect consumers, and keep Missourians safe.”

Currently, federal law imposes strong penalties for robberies involving banks and financial institutions but does not provide the same consistent protection for ATMs, especially those located away from bank branches. The Safe Access to Cash Act would complement the work of state and local law enforcement by creating a clear and consistent framework for prosecutions when ATM crimes involve interstate conduct, organized criminal networks, or repeated attacks across multiple jurisdictions. The bill would close a loophole in federal law by covering ATM theft and destruction, as well as adding additional criminal penalties, ensuring that off-premises ATMs in public settings are treated the same as bank-branch ATMs.

The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced the Safe Access to Cash Act in March 2026. The bill is currently awaiting full Senate floor action. If passed, it would move to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

Missouri joins this Georgia-led effort in addition to the attorneys general of Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia.

Read a copy of the letter here.

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