Bill > HB45

This bill amends Delaware law to establish new requirements for payment card networks and merchant acquirers regarding the categorization of firearms and ammunition businesses. Specifically, the bill defines key terms such as "firearms merchant" (a federal firearms licensee whose primary sales are firearms, accessories, or ammunition), "merchant category code" (a specific classification established by the International Organization for Standardization), and "merchant acquirer" (an entity that processes payment transactions). The bill mandates that payment card networks make available a specific merchant category code for firearms and ammunition businesses by July 1, 2025, and requires merchant acquirers to assign this code to firearms merchants starting October 1, 2025. The legislation provides enforcement mechanisms through the Delaware Department of Justice, which can bring civil actions against violators, with potential penalties of $10,000 per violation, injunctive relief, and the recovery of attorneys' fees. The bill also includes a provision allowing entities to cure violations within 30 days of receiving notice, preventing legal action if they demonstrate corrective steps. The overall intent appears to be creating a distinct tracking mechanism for firearms and ammunition-related sales within payment processing systems.

Justice

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=141875