Politics

NEW: Blue State Will Require Credit Card Issuers To Track Ammo Purchases

Published

6 days ago

April 6, 2025

New York Governor Kathy Hochul last week signed a number of new gun control measures into law, including one that allows credit card companies to track ammunition purchases.

Hochul signed three new laws she claimed will “strengthen New York’s gun violence prevention efforts and keep New Yorkers safe.” The governor is also calling for $370 million in additional funding towards gun control efforts in the state’s upcoming budget plan.

“We’re taking action to drive down gun violence in the State of New York — protecting our communities and making our streets safer,” Hochul said. “Public safety is my number one priority, and by giving law enforcement additional tools to stop gun violence in its tracks, we’re building on our promise to put the safety of New Yorkers first.”

One of the three new gun control measures will require credit and debit card issuers to track ammunition and firearms purchases. Hochul described the ammunition control as one that “[refines] how credit card companies track purchases at gun dealerships.”

“This gives law enforcement the opportunity to find out exactly who may be stockpiling ammunition. And this is an indicator that something untoward could be happening, so it’s an important data point for us to have,” the governor added.

Under the new law, firearms and ammunition retailers will be required to use a new merchant code “by ensuring that it captures retailers whose bulk sales come from firearms, ammunition and firearms accessories,” Hochul’s office announced in a press release.

Assembly Member Michaelle Solages praised the legislation as a way to “bold step” to keep track of New York citizens in the name of preventing gun violence. “By requiring the use of merchant category codes for firearm and ammunition purchases, we are equipping financial institutions with a critical tool to help detect suspicious activity before it becomes a tragedy. This is a smart, data-driven approach to public safety, and I’m proud to lead the way with Senator Myrie and dedicated advocates,” Solages said.

An additional measure will require gun dealers to “warn” customers about the risks associated with firearms. This includes providing links to the National Suciide Prevention Lifeline, in addition to warnings about the dangers of gun ownership, including increased risk of suicide, death during domestic disputes and unintentional death of children, household members and others.

“By providing consumers with this Surgeon General style warning, the law aims to promote the health and safety of the general public by educating and informing gun owners and potential buyers of the risks the weapons pose,” Hochul’s office said.