Kentucky 2023 Regular Session

Kentucky House Bill HB221

Introduced
2/8/23  

Caption

AN ACT relating to purchases from licensed gun dealers.

Impact

If enacted, HB 221 would amend existing state laws by criminalizing the use of specific merchant category codes by financial entities when categorizing transactions made at licensed gun dealers. The implications of this law include potentially greater protections for gun buyers regarding their purchasing data, while simultaneously raising concerns among those advocating for tighter controls on firearms sales. It underscores a broader discussion about privacy rights in financial transactions, particularly within the context of gun ownership.

Summary

House Bill 221 addresses the regulation of purchases from licensed gun dealers in Kentucky. Specifically, the bill prohibits credit card companies and financial institutions from using merchant category codes or similar tracking systems that specifically identify or differentiate purchases made from licensed gun dealers from those of other retailers. This is aimed at preventing financial institutions from tracking the purchasing habits of consumers in a way that could be perceived as discriminatory against gun ownership. The bill seeks to protect privacy rights regarding purchases of firearms and related products.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 221 is largely supportive among gun rights advocates who see the bill as a necessary step to safeguard against potential biases in transaction tracking that could punish legal gun purchases. Conversely, opponents of the bill may view it as a hindrance to enforcing responsible gun ownership and tracking potentially problematic purchases. This polarization reflects the ongoing national debate on gun control versus personal privacy.

Contention

Notable points of contention have surfaced in debates regarding HB 221, centered around the implications of preventing financial institutions from categorizing gun purchases. Proponents argue that it is essential to prevent discrimination against gun owners, while opponents might suggest that such policies could complicate the enforcement of laws aimed at reducing gun violence. The convergence of financial regulation and gun ownership rights continues to be a hotbed of legislative discussion as stakeholders from various perspectives present their cases.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KY HB28

AN ACT relating to pharmaceutical advertisements.

KY HB626

AN ACT relating to biometric identification.

KY HB766

AN ACT relating to a consumer's right to repair.

KY SB345

AN ACT relating to the protection of children using the internet.

KY SB376

AN ACT relating to reorganization of the Department of Law and declaring an emergency.

KY SB62

AN ACT relating to privacy.

KY SB100

AN ACT relating to tobacco, nicotine, or vapor product licensure.

KY HB150

AN ACT relating to motor vehicle dealers.

KY HB765

AN ACT relating to licensing and occupations.

KY HB344

AN ACT relating to hunting and fishing licenses.

Similar Bills

KY HB28

AN ACT relating to pharmaceutical advertisements.

KY HB626

AN ACT relating to biometric identification.

KY HB766

AN ACT relating to a consumer's right to repair.

KY SB345

AN ACT relating to the protection of children using the internet.

KY SB376

AN ACT relating to reorganization of the Department of Law and declaring an emergency.

OH SB224

Make changes to the telemarketing law

MS HB1225

Mississippi Telephone Solicitation Act; transfer enforcement authority to Attorney General's office.

PA SB381

Further providing for definitions, for unlawful acts and penalties and for unwanted telephone solicitation calls prohibited.