H.R. 1181Passed one chamberJobs & the economy
Bill would ban special credit card codes for gun store purchases
Data as of July 23, 2026
HR 1181 would ban separate payment codes that flag purchases at gun stores, treating them like any retail shop.AI-decoded40-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
AI-decodedWhat does this do?
The bill bans credit card companies and payment networks from using a special merchant category code that identifies gun stores separately from general retail or sporting goods stores. It requires gun shops to be coded the same as other retailers. It also cancels state or local laws requiring use of these gun-store codes.
Who does it affect?
Affects payment processors, banks, credit card networks, gun retailers, and states with laws requiring tracking of firearm purchases through these codes. The Attorney General would enforce the ban.
Why does it matter?
The change would end a coding practice some banks used to flag gun purchases, which supporters say protects buyer privacy, while others created the code to help spot suspicious bulk purchases. It does not affect background checks or other gun purchase laws.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee
- House vote
- Senate — You are here
- President's desk
Right now: it passed the House and now goes to the Senate. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it.
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How it's being covered
Real reporting on this bill, with each outlet's political lean labeled where AllSides has rated it.
Coverage of this bill so far comes from one side of the spectrum. Read it with that in mind.
- House Passes Bill Preventing Credit Card Companies from Tracking Gun Sales
breitbart.comJul 16, 2026Leans right
- Here’s What 2A Orgs Are Saying About GOP-Led Gun-Purchasing Privacy Bill Making Its Way Through Congress
dailycaller.comJun 28, 2026Leans right
Lean labels describe the news outlet, not this bill or any party. Ratings by AllSides.
Official title
Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act
- Introduced:
- February 11, 2025
- Latest action:
- July 15, 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Read the official bill on Congress.gov