AARP Washington Plans 2027 Bill to Ban Crypto ATMs Statewide

AARP Washington plans to seek a statewide crypto ATM ban in 2027, after a survey found majorities of residents age 50 and older support local and statewide prohibitions.

The organization announced its plan Friday, Oct. 30. It has not named sponsors or released draft language for the proposed bill.

A poll of 1,019 Washington residents age 50 and older found that 70% supported a ban in their local area, while 68% favored a statewide ban. The survey was conducted from July 14 to Aug. 1, 2026. Its results reflect views among residents 50 and older, not the state’s entire population.

Washington residents filed 391 complaints involving cryptocurrency kiosks in 2025, with adjusted losses totaling $8,341,828. The complaint category can include other types of transactions, so the full amount cannot be attributed solely to kiosk use.

Nationwide, complaints involving crypto ATMs or kiosks totaled 13,460 in 2025, with losses of $388,981,267. People age 60 and older accounted for 6,188 complaints and $257,466,130 in losses.

Separately, Washington lawmakers considered SB 5280, a bill that proposed consumer safeguards for the machines. The state Senate passed it 37-12 on Jan. 21, 2026. Its provisions included a $2,000 daily transaction limit, a fee ceiling formula, fraud disclosures and customer receipts. The House Consumer Protection and Business Committee took no action at its scheduled Feb. 25 executive session.

The proposed ban would add Washington to the jurisdictions with crypto ATM restrictions. Tennessee and Minnesota have adopted separate restrictions, including a ban on knowingly operating kiosks in Tennessee and removal requirements in Minnesota. AARP Washington’s next stated step is introducing its bill in 2027.