S. 3798

Overview

This bill would make robbing or breaking into an ATM a federal crime, even if the machine is not at a bank or owned by one, as long as it connects to the networks that bank and credit union customers use. Using force or threats to take money from someone using, servicing, or delivering cash to an ATM could bring up to 20 years in prison. Breaking into, tampering with, or stealing an ATM and taking more than $1,000 could bring up to 10 years (1 year for $1,000 or less), and the same penalties would apply to knowingly receiving or selling what was stolen. Maximum sentences rise to 25 years for assaulting someone or using a dangerous weapon, 30 years for forcing someone to go with the offender, and life in prison if someone is killed. It would affect ATM users, workers who restock and service the machines, and the banks, credit unions, and businesses that run them.