A bill aimed at preventing credit-card companies from tracking firearm and ammunition sales was formally sent by the Legislature to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday.
The bill (SB 214), approved during the legislative session that ended last week, would prevent credit-card companies from using a separate “merchant category code” for sales at gun businesses.
House sponsor John Snyder, R-Stuart, said the proposal would protect the ability of Second Amendment supporters “to purchase and spend their money freely without fear of reprisal.”
In the news: Outlaws Member Arrested In Florida After Brutal Beating That Left Victim Permanently Disfigured
Democrats argued the bill would interfere with businesses and hinder efforts to track guns used in violent incidents.
Similar four-digit codes are already used to separate purchases and collect data from places such as grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants and bookstores.
Last year, Visa, Mastercard and American Express announced plans to categorize gun-shop sales. But after Republican pushback in several states, the plans have been paused.
The Republican-controlled House voted 83-32 to pass the bill, while the Senate approved it in a 27-11 vote. DeSantis has until May 26 to act on the proposal.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps.