Louisiana Will Ban Credit Card Codes for Firearms

Earlier this week, Louisiana lawmakers approved a bill that would prevent any type of merchant from using specific codes to track firearm purchases. Louisiana will become the 13th state to pass such a law since 2023, joining Tennessee, Alabama, and Utah.

Louisiana Will Ban Credit Card Codes for Firearm Purchases

On May 28, 2024, the Louisiana State Senate approved Senate Bill 301 (SB 301) in a 27-9 vote. The bill, dubbed the “Second Amendment Protection Act,” prohibits credit card companies from implementing Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) specifically for firearms.

MCCs are a type of financial tool that allows companies to track different types of purchases online. Currently, firearms fall under the same category as sporting goods.

Any company implementing these codes would be barred from operating in Louisiana. Financial institutions also cannot deny a transaction simply because it’s gun-related. Anyone who breaks this new law will incur a $1,000 fine.

In addition, the law specifically bans state or local governments from keeping lists of privately owned firearms. The Brady Act of 1993 also prohibits the federal government from making that kind of a list.

What’s Next

The bill now heads to Governor Jeff Landry’s desk, where he is all but sure to sign it. Landry, a staunch Republican, has a history of supporting gun rights bills. There’s little doubt that he’ll pass this one, too.

Even if Landry were to veto the bill, Louisiana lawmakers have the two-thirds majority necessary to override his veto. If Landry does nothing for 10 days, the bill will automatically pass. In other words, SB 301 is going to become law.

The bill was sponsored by state senator Blake Miguez. Miguez is a former professional shooter who also spearheaded Louisiana’s constitutional carry bill. Governor Landry signed that bill into law earlier this year.

The Bottom Line

Louisiana is far from the first state to pass its version of a Second Amendment Privacy Act. So far, 13 states have passed similar legislation since 2023, including Tennessee, Alabama, and Utah.

These types of laws are a direct response to a California law requiring all merchants doing business in the state to use a new MCC for firearms by 2025. However, credit card companies have paused implementing this new code as more states pass their own Second Amendment privacy acts.

This is another rare win for gun rights on the national stage.