New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A00439

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  
Report Pass
1/14/25  
Refer
1/14/25  

Caption

Removes dealers of ammunition from certain provisions that require the use of certain merchant category-codes by payment card networks for firearm merchants.

Summary

Bill A00439 amends the general business law in New York by removing dealers of ammunition from certain provisions that require payment card networks to use specific merchant category codes for firearm merchants. The bill aims to clarify the definitions and regulations surrounding the categorization of businesses that deal in firearms and ammunition, specifically by excluding ammunition dealers from the same requirements that apply to firearm dealers. This change is intended to streamline the categorization process for payment card networks and reduce potential burdens on ammunition dealers.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would alter the regulatory landscape for payment processing in New York by exempting ammunition dealers from the merchant category code requirements that currently apply to firearm dealers. This could lead to changes in how transactions involving ammunition are processed, potentially easing the compliance burden on businesses that sell ammunition. The bill may also affect the data collection practices of payment card networks regarding the tracking of firearm-related purchases.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A00439 appears to be mixed based on the committee discussions and voting history. The bill received a favorable vote in the Assembly Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee, with 10 votes in favor and 5 against. This suggests some level of support among committee members, although the presence of dissenting votes indicates that there are concerns or differing opinions regarding the implications of the bill.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the implications of removing ammunition dealers from the same regulatory framework as firearm dealers. Some committee members may be concerned about the potential for increased sales of ammunition without the same level of scrutiny that applies to firearms, while supporters argue that the distinction is necessary for fair treatment of different types of dealers. The debate seems to revolve around balancing business interests with public safety considerations.

Companion Bills

NY S00745

Same As Removes dealers of ammunition from certain provisions that require the use of certain merchant category-codes by payment card networks for firearm merchants.

Previously Filed As

NY S00745

Removes dealers of ammunition from certain provisions that require the use of certain merchant category-codes by payment card networks for firearm merchants.

NY S3001

Requires use of merchant category codes for purchases of firearms and ammunition.

NY A2117

Requires use of merchant category codes for purchases of firearms and ammunition.

NY A1251

Prohibits use of new merchant category code by credit card companies for purchases of firearms and ammunitions.

NY S1705

Prohibits use of new merchant category code by credit card companies for purchases of firearms and ammunitions.

NY LD1867

An Act to Prohibit Financial Institutions from Using Merchant Category Codes to Identify or Track Firearm Purchases or Disclose Firearm Purchase Records

NY LB686

Prohibit government entities and officials from keeping certain lists relating to the ownership of firearms and prohibit using merchant category codes to distinguish firearm retailers

NY S1321

Prohibits retail mercantile establishments from requiring certain consumer identification for return of merchandise.

NY SB1058

firearms transactions; merchant codes; prohibition

NY SB1143

Firearms transactions; merchant codes; prohibition

Similar Bills

NJ A1251

Prohibits use of new merchant category code by credit card companies for purchases of firearms and ammunitions.

NJ S1705

Prohibits use of new merchant category code by credit card companies for purchases of firearms and ammunitions.

NV SB438

Provides for the licensure and regulation of merchant acquirer limited purpose banks. (BDR 55-974)

HI SB2956

Relating To Consumer Protection.

HI HB2614

Relating To Deceptive Practices.

MI HB4595

Liquor: licenses; issuance of specially designated merchant license or specially designated distributor license; allow for certain locations. Amends sec. 533 of 1998 PA 58 (MCL 436.1533). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4282'25

NJ S2079

Concerns credit card interchange fees and consumer protection.

NJ A1921

Concerns credit card interchange fees and consumer protection.