Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act

This legislation aims to prevent payment card networks and covered entities from using or assigning specific merchant category codes (MCCs) that uniquely identify firearms retailers. Under this bill, firearms retailers must be categorized in the same manner as general-merchandise retailers or sporting-goods retailers , ensuring their transactions are not distinctively flagged based on the type of goods sold. The Attorney General is mandated to enforce these prohibitions, including establishing a process for individuals and firearms retailers to submit complaints about alleged violations. Following an investigation, if a violation is confirmed, the Attorney General must issue a written notice requiring the payment card network or covered entity to remedy the issue within 30 days, after which legal action for an injunction may be pursued. Furthermore, the bill preempts any state or local government laws regulating MCCs for firearm retailers and explicitly states that it does not create a private right of action .