Bill > SB556

This bill amends Pennsylvania law regarding firearms registration and related financial practices, primarily prohibiting government entities from creating or maintaining a registry of firearm ownership and preventing payment processing entities from specifically categorizing firearms and ammunition merchants differently from other retailers. The bill establishes that no government agency, local authority, or law enforcement entity can create a database tracking firearm ownership, and it restricts financial institutions from assigning unique merchant category codes to firearms or ammunition sellers that would single them out from general merchandise or sporting goods retailers. The legislation imposes significant penalties for violations, including potential felony charges (third-degree) for government entities creating firearm registries, which would be investigated by the Attorney General or local district attorneys, and administrative fines up to $2,500 for financial entities that improperly categorize firearms merchants. The bill defines "firearm" broadly to include weapons capable of expelling projectiles through explosive action or their frames and receivers, and it will take effect 60 days after passage. The primary intent appears to be protecting firearm owners' privacy and preventing potential discriminatory financial practices against firearms businesses.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=556