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Delaware Senate Committee Takes Up Bill Seeking to Prohibit Crypto ATMs as Scam Losses Mount
Delaware lawmakers have moved House Bill (HB) 441 forward for Senate consideration, setting the stage for a statewide ban on cryptocurrency kiosks commonly known as crypto ATMs.
On June 11, HB 441 was placed on the agenda of the Senate Banking, Business, Insurance and Technology Committee. The measure would prohibit installing or operating crypto ATMs and would require existing machines to be removed within 90 days of enactment. Enforcement would include the ability to seek injunctive relief, civil penalties of up to $10,000, and private lawsuits for damages.
The proposal, sponsored by Rep. Cyndie Romer, follows passage in the Delaware House of Representatives. Sources said the bill cleared the chamber with one member absent and was referred to the Senate committee after being reported out of the House Economic Development, Banking, Insurance and Commerce Committee on June 9, 2026, with one favorable vote and seven "on its merits" votes.
Backers include the Delaware Department of Justice, Delaware State Police, AARP Delaware, the Delaware Bankers Association, and the Delaware Bank Commissioner. Supporters describe the legislation as a consumer-protection response to fraud rather than a stance against cryptocurrency itself.
Lawmakers say the push is driven by a rise in scams tied to crypto kiosks, particularly affecting seniors and other vulnerable consumers. FBI data logged more than 13,400 kiosk-related complaints in 2025, with nationwide losses topping $388 million. In Delaware, residents reported 181 crypto-related complaints and 255 wallet-related complaints last year, with combined losses of about $26.9 million.
Romer called the kiosks "a predatory cash grab," citing fees reaching as high as 20%, compared with roughly 0.4% to 1% on online exchanges. Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings said people can be persuaded to send large sums through these kiosks and later are unable to recover the money.
Delaware's move comes as more states tighten rules around crypto kiosks. Since 2023, at least 30 states have enacted legislation addressing the machines, with momentum accelerating in 2025–2026. Delaware joins Indiana, Tennessee, and Minnesota in pursuing or enacting outright bans, while New Jersey's Senate Bill S2141 is advancing similar restrictions.
Other states are opting for stricter regulation instead of a ban. North Carolina's HB 920 passed the House unanimously, 115–0, and has moved to the Senate. The bill would require fraud warnings, receipts, exchange-rate disclosures, live customer support, a 14% fee cap, and updated daily transaction limits.
At the federal level, the Stop Crypto ATM Scams Act would establish nationwide standards for crypto kiosks, including AML compliance, ID verification, scam warnings, suspicious-activity reporting, transaction caps of $2,000 to $7,500, and live support, while allowing states to impose tougher rules or bans.
If Delaware's HB 441 becomes law, crypto ATMs currently operating in the state would need to be removed within 90 days. Operators who fail to comply could face court orders, civil fines of up to $10,000, and private claims for damages.
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