Prohibiting firearms merchant category codes in payment card transactions, prohibiting government lists of firearm owners, and providing a penalty.
Impact
The bill, if enacted, would amend existing statutes to enforce stricter regulations against the creation and maintenance of lists identifying firearm purchasers and owners. These changes will primarily affect how transactions are recorded by financial institutions and will significantly limit the state's ability to compile records regarding legal firearm ownership. This could lead to enhanced privacy protections for gun owners, while also posing challenges for law enforcement's ability to track potentially illegal activities related to firearms.
Summary
Assembly Bill 468 aims to regulate how firearms are treated in payment card transactions and the handling of records related to firearm purchases. The bill specifically prohibits financial institutions from utilizing a firearms merchant category code in a way that identifies firearms retailers, aiming to prevent discrimination against such businesses. Additionally, it seeks to ensure that the Department of Justice and other governmental entities do not maintain lists identifying firearm owners based on background check data, enhancing privacy for individuals who legally own firearms.
Contention
Debate around AB468 centers on the implications for public safety and individual rights. Supporters argue that the bill would protect gun owners from undue surveillance and potential discrimination by financial institutions. Critics, however, raise concerns that restricting the ability of government agencies to maintain records on firearm ownership could hinder investigations related to crime and gun violence. This tension reflects broader societal debates about gun rights and public safety, with strong opinions on both sides regarding the balance between personal privacy and community safety.
A bill for an act relating to merchant category codes for transactions involving firearms and ammunition, firearm registries and records, and providing civil penalties. (Formerly HSB 671.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.
A bill for an act relating to government records of firearms, and payment card transactions involving firearms and ammunition, and providing civil penalties.(See HF 2464.)
Financial Institutions; to prohibit financial institutions from using a merchant category code to identify firearms transactions; to prohibit disclosure of financial information regarding firearms transactions
Financial Institutions; to prohibit financial institutions from using a merchant category code to identify firearms transactions; to prohibit disclosure of financial information regarding firearms transactions
Relating to financial institutions; to amend Section 5-5A-43, Code of Alabama 1975, to prohibit financial institutions from disclosing certain customer financial records of firearms transactions with certain exceptions; to allow the Department of Finance to disqualify a financial institution from any selection process for state contracts for violation of this prohibition; and to provide civil penalties and criminal penalties for violation of the act.
Financial Institutions; to prohibit financial institutions from using a merchant category code to identify firearms transactions; to prohibit disclosure of financial information regarding firearms transactions
Financial Institutions; to prohibit financial institutions from using a merchant category code to identify firearms transactions; to prohibit disclosure of financial information regarding firearms transactions