The Merchant Codes Can Save Lives Act would prevent states from banning or discouraging the use of merchant category codes—standardized classification codes used to identify types of businesses and transactions—particularly those that identify firearm and ammunition sellers. Currently, some states have moved to restrict these specialized codes to track gun-related purchases more closely, but this bill would override those state efforts by establishing federal preemption. The legislation would affect state governments, payment processors, and firearm retailers by prohibiting states from using merchant codes as a tool for monitoring or restricting gun sales. The bill contains no specific funding or implementation timeline but authorizes the U.S. Attorney General to file lawsuits against states that violate these requirements.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.