Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act

The big picture: Lawmakers want to prevent banks and payment networks from tagging gun retailers with unique codes—a practice that could let companies flag, track, or even block firearm-related purchases. This comes after calls from some advocates to use merchant codes to trace suspicious buying patterns following high-profile shootings.

Zoom in: HR1181 prohibits payment card networks like Visa or Mastercard from requiring gun stores be assigned specific 'merchant category codes' distinct from those for general sporting goods. Instead, firearm retailers would blend in with broader business categories. Violating companies could face regulatory penalties.

Between the lines: Supporters frame the bill as a win for privacy, saying Americans shouldn’t be put on corporate watchlists for exercising their Second Amendment rights. Opponents warn that it may undermine efforts by banks or law enforcement to spot patterns of mass-purchase before shootings happen. The bill enjoys broad GOP backing, making House passage likely, but faces uncertainty in the Senate and with the White House.