What's happening
The bill requires ATMs in New York to include software that discreetly alerts law enforcement if a user is forced to withdraw money.
Why it matters
Enhances personal safety in public spaces. By allowing users to covertly signal distress during forced ATM withdrawals, the bill provides a potential lifeline in cases of robbery or coercion, which could deter criminals and reduce violent incidents.
Balances security and discretion. The requirement that the ATM still dispenses cash as normal helps protect users from immediate harm, as an attacker would not be alerted to the silent alarm, potentially preventing escalation.
Promotes technological upgrades and accountability. Banks and ATM operators would be compelled to invest in updated software and staff training, ensuring ongoing attention to customer safety and compliance with evolving security standards.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Banks Add ATM Police Alerts
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to banks
- Referred to banks
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Require ATM Police Alert Software
In Assembly Committee · Banks · Sponsor Joseph Lentol
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2449
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 13, 2017
Introduced by Sen. HAMILTON -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Banks
AN ACT to amend the banking law, in relation to ATM security
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 75-c of the banking law is amended by adding a new subdivision 4 to read as follows:
4. Software that would allow the user to enter his or her personal identification number in a specific manner that would immediately notify local law enforcement personnel that the user is making a withdrawal against his or her own volition, while at the same time allowing the automated teller machine to disperse money to the customer as if there were no problem.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD00719-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the banking law, in relation to ATM security
Purpose or general idea of bill
This act will increase ATM safety by allowing ATM users to alert police if they are being forced to withdraw money against their will. Police are alerted when an individual enters his/her ATM pin number backwards. Money is still dispersed and the criminal has no idea that the police have been alerted. This is a safer alternative to police alarms in ATM's which put robbery victims at risk.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1. Section 75-c of the banking law is amended by adding a new subdivision 4.
Justification
ATM's are often preying grounds for robbers and can be an extremely unsafe manner in which to access your money, yet many individuals use ATM's on a daily basis. This new ATM software could save hundreds of lives by discretely alerting police as well as lead to the quick apprehension of criminals in crimes of theft and/or kidnapping.
Prior legislative history
A.10418 of 2006 A1671 of 2007 A3777 of 2009-10 A.567 of 2011-12 A.1509 of 2013-14 S.6238 of 2015-16
Fiscal implications
To be determined
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.