Bill targets merchant-category coding that could track firearm purchases

Representative Harrelson moved to amend and reintroduce legislation aimed at protecting privacy for firearm purchasers by closing a perceived digital trail created through merchant-category codes (MCCs) and other payment-data practices. "We do not want in any way, shape, or form at any time there to be a publicly compiled record of firearm purchases," Harrelson told the chamber and asked colleagues to close that loophole.

Floor discussion touched on tradeoffs: some members noted MCC data can help businesses assess market demand for products and inform investment decisions; others said protecting purchaser privacy outweighs commercial analytics concerns. Harrelson said prior versions of the bill cleared the House but stalled in the other body, and he planned to coordinate with colleagues before asking the full chamber to move the bill forward.

The House introduced the measure by roll call (59 aye, 2 no, 1 excused) and referred it to committee number 2 (Appropriations). Committee review will determine how financial-data definitions and exceptions are written.

Provenance: Sponsor floor remarks and the roll call are recorded in the Feb. 10 House transcript.