Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act

Full Title:
Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act

Summary#

This bill would stop payment card networks and entities that process card transactions from requiring or assigning merchant category codes (MCCs) that single out firearms retailers from general-merchandise or sporting-goods retailers. It defines covered terms such as firearm, ammunition, firearms retailer, covered entity, payment card network, and merchant category code. The Attorney General would enforce the rule, set up a complaint process within 90 days, investigate complaints, issue written notices to violators, and seek injunctions if violations are not fixed. The bill says there is no private right of action. It also preempts any State or local laws that regulate merchant category codes for firearms retailers and requires the Attorney General to report to Congress each year about investigations, case summaries, and any available data on the law’s effectiveness.

What it means for you#

  • Payment card networks and processors: May not require merchants that sell firearms to use or be assigned MCCs that distinguish them from general-merchandise or sporting-goods sellers.
  • Firearms retailers: May not be assigned an MCC that is different from general-merchandise or sporting-goods retailers under this rule.
  • Consumers: The bill would prevent card transaction records from being required to use a distinct merchant category code for firearms retailers, under the definitions in the bill.
  • State and local governments: Any law regulating merchant category codes for firearms retailers would be preempted by this federal rule.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on estimated costs. The bill directs the Attorney General to create complaint and enforcement processes and to produce annual reports, which would require agency resources, but the bill text does not include cost estimates.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.