Missouri – A push to toughen federal penalties for attacks on ATMs is gaining support from Missouri, where Attorney General Catherine Hanaway says organized criminal groups are taking advantage of a gap in existing law.
The issue is not simply stolen cash. State attorneys general argue that coordinated ATM thefts can cross state lines, involve repeated attacks and target machines sitting in stores, parking areas and other public locations far from traditional bank branches.
Hanaway announced that Missouri has joined a 15-state coalition calling on Congress to pass S. 3798, the Safe Access to Cash Act. The proposal would expand federal tools for prosecuting organized criminal networks accused of stealing from or damaging automated teller machines around the country.
“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.”
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Federal law already carries significant penalties for robberies involving banks and other financial institutions. However, according to the coalition, ATMs located away from bank branches do not always receive the same consistent federal protection.
The Safe Access to Cash Act is designed to change that. The legislation would establish a clearer federal framework for cases involving interstate activity, organized crime groups or repeated ATM attacks across several jurisdictions. It would also cover ATM theft and destruction while adding criminal penalties intended to place off-premises machines in public locations on similar legal footing with ATMs located at bank branches.
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The measure has already cleared one major step in Congress. The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously advanced the bill in March 2026. It is now awaiting action by the full U.S. Senate. If approved there, the legislation would then move to the House of Representatives.
Missouri joined the Georgia-led effort alongside attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah and West Virginia.
The coalition’s effort puts the focus on a relatively narrow part of federal criminal law, but one the attorneys general say has become increasingly important as organized groups operate across jurisdictional lines.
A copy of the attorneys general’s letter supporting the legislation is available here.
