Bill > LD1867

This bill prohibits financial institutions and payment networks from using a specific merchant category code (known as a "firearms code") to identify, track, or discriminate against firearms dealers or firearm purchases. The legislation defines numerous terms related to financial institutions, payment transactions, firearms, and related entities, and establishes strict rules preventing financial institutions from: requiring special codes that single out firearms dealers, declining transactions based on firearms-related merchant codes, charging higher fees to firearms-related businesses, or disclosing financial records related to firearm purchases. The bill allows the Attorney General to investigate potential violations and provides a 30-day period for entities to remedy any infractions. If an entity fails to comply, they may face an injunction and potential financial penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. Importantly, the law also explicitly prohibits government entities from maintaining registries of privately owned firearms, except in the context of criminal investigations or as otherwise legally required. The bill provides mechanisms for firearms dealers or customers to file complaints if they believe the law has been violated, and it includes specific protections to prevent potential discrimination against businesses involved in lawful firearm commerce.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1867&snum=132