HB0234

Prohibits the collection and use of firearms and ammunition purchase data through merchant category codes and prevents discrimination against firearms retailers and customers in payment card transactions.

• Creates a misdemeanor offense for knowingly violating the prohibition on firearms data collection, punishable by up to one year imprisonment, a fine of up to $2,000, or both. (Sec. 1, W.S. 9-14-405)
• Adds definitions for key terms including ammunition, antique firearm, firearm, firearm accessories or components, merchant, and payment card. (Sec. 2, W.S. 9-14-402(a)(xi)-(xvi))
• Prohibits state government, local governments, political subdivisions, and any other person or entity from creating or maintaining lists, records, or registries of privately owned firearms or firearm owners using firearms codes or merchant category codes. Also prohibits the state and political subdivisions from using personnel or funds to enforce federal laws or regulations that create such registries. (Sec. 2, W.S. 9-14-403(a))
• Prohibits merchant servicers from requiring the use of or assigning firearms codes or distinguishing merchant category codes to firearms retailers or ammunition sellers located in Wyoming. (Sec. 2, W.S. 9-14-403(b))
• Prohibits merchant servicers from discriminating against Wyoming firearms retailers or customers by declining lawful transactions, limiting business relationships, charging higher fees, or taking other actions to prohibit or suppress lawful firearms commerce based on merchant category code assignment. (Sec. 2, W.S. 9-14-403(d))
• Requires the attorney general to investigate alleged violations of the act and provide written notice to violators, giving them 30 days to cease the prohibited conduct. (Sec. 2, W.S. 9-14-404(a))
• Authorizes the attorney general to pursue injunctive relief against persons or entities that fail to stop violating the act within 30 days of written notice. (Sec. 2, W.S. 9-14-404(b))
• Allows affected Wyoming merchants or customers to petition the attorney general for investigation, and permits them to file their own civil action for injunctive relief if the attorney general does not act within 60 days. Courts may award injunctions, attorney fees, and costs.