Video Highlights
- California is introducing a bill, AB1587, that would force credit card companies to adopt category codes for gun stores.
- The bill is being seen as a response to laws in other states that would fine companies for adopting these codes.
- The use of merchant category codes would not add any new information to what California already collects on gun and ammo buyers.
- The bill would give the California attorney general the power to fine companies and retailers that do not comply with the codes by March 2025.
Video Summary
The merchant category codes (MCC codes) that were previously killed on the federal level are making a comeback in an unexpected place - California. The bill, AB1587, aims to force credit card companies to adopt category codes specifically for gun stores. This move is seen as a response to laws in other states, such as Florida and Mississippi, which would fine companies for implementing these codes.
The use of MCC codes would not provide any new information to California, as the state already collects extensive data on gun and ammunition buyers through universal background checks. The codes would only include dollar amounts and the date and location of purchases, making them ineffective in identifying potential criminals or preventing gun violence.
Despite this, California legislators, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, are pushing for the adoption of these codes in an attempt to gain control over gun owners in the state. The bill would empower the California attorney general, Rob Bonta, to fine companies and retailers that do not comply with the codes by March 2025.
It is worth noting that California already imposes strict regulations on gun and ammo purchases, requiring background checks for all transactions. This latest bill seems to be more of a virtue signal and a campaign tactic for politicians rather than a practical solution to enhance public safety.
The introduction of AB1587 has caused concern among gun owners and has only fueled the desire of many Californians to leave the state. Approximately 40% of the population in California is seriously considering relocation due to the state's restrictive gun laws and increasing government control.
In conclusion, the push for merchant category codes for gun stores in California is a misguided attempt to further regulate and control firearms. The use of these codes would not provide any significant benefits in terms of public safety, as the state already collects extensive information on gun and ammo buyers. It remains to be seen whether this bill will pass and what its implications will be for gun owners and retailers in California.
