What's happening
The bill requires ATMs to have software enabling users to discreetly alert police if forced to withdraw money under duress.
Why it matters
Introduces a “panic PIN” feature. The bill requires banks to implement ATM software allowing users to discreetly signal for help by entering their PIN in a specific way if forced to withdraw money, potentially deterring or aiding in the investigation of robberies.
Promotes user safety without escalating danger. Because the ATM still dispenses cash as usual, the person forcing the withdrawal is less likely to realize an alert has been triggered, reducing the risk of immediate retaliation against the victim.
Creates new compliance responsibilities for banks. Financial institutions would need to invest in and maintain new security software for all ATMs, which could have cost and implementation implications.
Could impact crime reporting and police response. If widely known and used, this system might lead to faster police intervention during ATM robberies, but also places new demands on law enforcement to verify and respond to silent ATM alerts.
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Who cares
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Require ATMs to Alert Police
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 Police-Alert ATMs
In Senate Committee · Banks · Sponsor James Sanders Jr.
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2084
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 22, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. LENTOL -- read once and referred 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.
LBD04457-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.