Oklahoma Senate Bill SB814

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23
• Report Pass: 2/13/23
• Refer: 2/13/23

Caption

Financial institutions; creating the Oklahoma Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act; prohibiting the disclosure of certain information. Effective date.

Impact

The bill impacts state laws regarding privacy in financial transactions, particularly for firearm purchases. It explicitly prohibits actions that could lead to discrimination or excessive fees based on the customer’s choice to engage in lawful commerce concerning firearms. Furthermore, it establishes that customers can sue for damages if their protected financial information is disclosed without proper cause, which contributes to a growing dialogue on consumer rights and financial institutions' obligations under state law.

Summary

Senate Bill 814, titled the Oklahoma Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, seeks to protect the financial privacy of individuals purchasing firearms and ammunition. It prohibits financial institutions from disclosing certain financial information associated with these transactions, particularly prohibiting the tracking and surveillance enabled by a newly assigned merchant category code by credit card networks specific to firearm retailers. The bill is rooted in the principle of safeguarding Second Amendment rights against potential overreach by financial entities and government bodies who could surveil lawful gun purchases.

Contention

Notably, the act addresses a growing concern that categorizing or labeling transactions may lead to a chilling effect on lawful purchases, as consumers may hesitate to buy firearms amidst fears of surveillance. While supporters argue it is a vital protective measure for personal freedoms, some critics express concerns that such laws might inadvertently shield illegal activities by making it more difficult to monitor suspicious transactions related to firearms. The balance between protection of legal rights and oversight for public safety remains a contentious aspect of this legislation.