Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act
Last recorded step: House, Jul 15, 2026.
Nothing scheduled on the calendars we hold.
This bill would prohibit payment card networks from using specific merchant codes to distinguish firearms retailers from other retailers.
This summary may be out of date
Last regenerated The bill has had legislative action since.
What it does
This bill would prohibit payment card networks from using specific merchant category codes that distinguish firearms retailers from general-merchandise or sporting-goods retailers. The Department of Justice would be responsible for enforcing these restrictions and would be required to submit annual reports regarding any resulting investigations or legal cases.
Who is affected
This bill directly affects payment card networks, which are prohibited from utilizing specific merchant codes for firearms retailers that differ from those used for general-merchandise or sporting-goods retailers. The legislation also impacts firearms retailers, as their transactions would be categorized under broader merchant classifications. Additionally, the Department of Justice is affected as it is tasked with enforcing these requirements and providing annual reports on related investigations.
Key provisions
- Prohibition of specific merchant codes for firearms retailers. The bill prevents payment card networks from utilizing merchant category codes that differentiate firearms retailers from general-merchandise or sporting-goods retailers.
- Department of Justice enforcement and reporting. The Department of Justice is tasked with enforcing the prohibition and must submit annual reports regarding investigations and legal cases related to the act.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
Not applicable: Bill establishes wholly new authority with no reference to prior law
Stated purpose
The bill aims to prevent payment card networks from utilizing specific merchant category codes that differentiate firearms retailers from general-merchandise or sporting-goods retailers.