United States Senator Bill Hagerty has reintroduced the Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act, a bill aimed at preventing what he describes as unconstitutional surveillance of gun store customers through Merchant Category Codes (MCCs). The legislation is supported by several senators and has a companion bill introduced in the House by Representative Riley Moore.
Senator Hagerty stated, “Merchant category codes should never be used to track and surveil gun store customers.” He emphasized the importance of this legislation to prevent MCC codes from being politicized and protect civil liberties. Congressman Riley Moore echoed these sentiments, highlighting his previous efforts at the state level to safeguard Second Amendment rights.
Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President & General Counsel of NSSF, expressed support for Hagerty’s bill. He noted that it would stop government watchlists related to firearm purchases and protect citizens’ rights under the Second Amendment.
The Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act builds on Senator Hagerty’s ongoing efforts to defend constitutional rights against what he sees as overreach. In previous actions, he criticized financial institutions for using MCC codes against gun store consumers and questioned former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen about monitoring lawful transactions at firearm retailers.
The full text of the proposed legislation is available for public viewing.
