New Hampshire lawmakers advanced a stricter crypto ATM fraud bill after rejecting a softer amendment. The measure sets daily limits, adds warning requirements, and aims to reduce scams targeting residents, especially older users, as it moves toward final approval.
New Hampshire lawmakers moved forward with a bill aimed at reducing fraud involving cryptocurrency ATMs after rejecting an amendment that would have softened the rules. The decision came after reports of growing scam cases where victims lost large amounts of money through kiosk transactions.
House approves stricter Senate version of SB 482
The New Hampshire House passed the Senate-backed version of Senate Bill 482 on April 23, 2026, with a 214-140 vote. The measure advances after floor debate focused on how to handle fraud linked to crypto ATM kiosks.
The approved bill introduces a daily transaction limit of $2,000 for users of crypto ATMs. It also requires operators to display clear warnings about scam risks. In addition, the legislation includes a refund period designed to help victims recover funds in some cases.
Lawmakers rejected an amendment proposed by House Majority Floor Leader Keith Ammon. That proposal would have removed the permanent cap and replaced it with a temporary limit for new users. However, the House voted it down 220-135.
During the debate, Representative Nicholas Bridle said, “The amendment makes New Hampshire more attractive to scammers and criminals.” He referred to reports showing losses of more than $2.6 million in his district.
Debate over regulation and industry concerns
Supporters of the Senate version said tighter rules are required to protect residents, especially older adults. Law enforcement officials reported that many scams involve victims being pressured to deposit cash into crypto ATMs. These transactions are often hard to trace once completed.
The bill aims to reduce such cases by limiting how much money can be deposited each day and requiring clearer warnings at kiosks. Lawmakers also said better disclosure could help users recognize scam attempts before sending funds.
Keith Ammon defended his amendment and said, “I think the intent is to ban this industry.” He argued that the proposal was meant to support business activity while still preventing abuse.
He also said, “In New Hampshire, do we ban industries, or do we make sure that only good actors are behaving in that industry?” His version included limits on local regulation and proposed protections for operators under certain conditions.
Critics argued the amendment would weaken accountability. They said removing strict limits could increase exposure for consumers using the machines.
Bill moves closer to final approval
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee Chairman Terry Roy waived referral of the bill to his committee. This step allows the legislation to move forward without further review in that chamber.
The bill now moves closer to the governor’s desk for final consideration. If signed into law, it would set statewide rules for cryptocurrency ATM operations and establish new compliance requirements for operators.
The debate comes amid wider concern about crypto-related scams across the United States. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies continue to report that many victims are older adults who are targeted through urgent messages or impersonation tactics.
With the House approval completed, New Hampshire advances toward tighter regulation of crypto ATM kiosks. The focus remains on reducing fraud cases while setting clearer operational standards for the industry.
