AL HB389

Prohibits financial institutions, payment card issuers, and payment card networks from assigning or requiring merchants to use a firearms code that distinguishes firearms retailers from general merchandise or sporting goods retailers in Alabama.

Requires firearms retailers to use only general merchandise or sporting goods merchant category codes and prohibits financial institutions from discriminating against firearms retailers by declining lawful transactions based solely on firearms code assignment.

Prohibits state agencies, local governments, and private entities from knowingly creating or maintaining any registry or list of privately owned firearms or firearm owners, except for records required during criminal investigations or civil court proceedings.

Establishes civil penalty of $10,000 per violation and authorizes the Attorney General to investigate violations, issue subpoenas, bring enforcement actions, recover attorney fees, and seek injunctions or court orders to destroy illegal registry records.

Becomes effective October 1, 2024, with a defense available if firearms code use was required by applicable law or regulation in good faith.