SB66 mandates that payment card networks must offer a merchant category code for firearms and payment processors must assign this code to firearms merchants. Additionally, any contract waiving these requirements is void. The Attorney General has sole enforcement authority and violations can lead to civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.
The Colorado State Senate passed SB66 on February 21, 2024 by a vote of 22 to 11. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the workaround by credit-card companies to track ammunition and firearms purchases violates several constitutionally protected rights, including the First, Second and Fourth Amendments. This is a significant invasion of privacy, opens the door for illegal searches, and potentially deters people from making firearm purchases.
United States Constitution
First Amendment
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
United States Constitution
Second Amendment
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
United States Constitution
Fourth Amendment
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
