HB0097

Prohibits the use of firearms merchant category codes and related discriminatory practices by merchant servicers, and establishes criminal and civil penalties for violations.

• Defines key terms including 'ammunition', 'antique firearm', 'firearm', 'firearm accessory or component', 'merchant', and 'payment card' for purposes of the act. (W.S. 9-14-402(a)(xi)-(xvi))
• Prohibits state and local governments and any other person or entity from knowingly maintaining any list, record, or registry of privately owned firearms or firearm owners created through use of a firearms code or merchant category code, with exceptions for financial institutions and federal firearm licensees. (W.S. 9-14-403(a))
• Prohibits state personnel and funds from being used to enforce, administer, or cooperate with federal laws or regulations that create or maintain lists, financial records, or registries of privately owned firearms or their owners through use of firearms codes or merchant category codes. (W.S. 9-14-403(a))
• Prohibits merchant servicers from requiring or assigning firearms codes or other merchant category codes to Wyoming merchants, or assigning codes to firearms retailers in Wyoming that distinguish them from general merchandise retailers. (W.S. 9-14-403(b))
• Prohibits merchant servicers from discriminating against Wyoming merchants or customers by declining lawful transactions, limiting business relationships with firearms retailers, or charging higher fees based on firearms-related codes or otherwise suppressing lawful firearms commerce. (W.S. 9-14-403(d))
• Requires the attorney general to investigate alleged violations and provide written notice with a 30-day period for the violator to cease the prohibited conduct. (W.S. 9-14-404(a))
• Authorizes the attorney general to pursue injunctions against violators who fail to comply within 30 days of written notice. (W.S. 9-14-404(b))
• Allows merchants or customers affected by alleged violations to petition the attorney general for investigation, and permits civil actions for injunctive relief and attorney fees if the attorney general does not act within 60 days.