Kentucky AG joins 15-state coalition for ATM protection

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman has joined a 15-state coalition advocating for the passage of the Safe Access to Cash Act in Congress. The proposed legislation aims to modernize the Federal Bank Robbery Act of 1934 by allowing for the federal prosecution of crimes involving ATM machines located outside of traditional financial institutions.

Currently, federal law provides significant penalties for robberies at banks but lacks consistent protections for ATMs situated in public locations such as gas stations, grocery stores, and convenience stores. The act seeks to address physical theft and technological crimes, such as jackpotting, by applying the same penalties to these incidents as bank robberies.

Proponents argue the bill will provide law enforcement with better tools to combat organized criminal networks and interstate crimes. It also intends to close legal loopholes regarding the robbery of individuals while they are using an ATM.