Stopping Banks from Refusing to Work with Gun Businesses
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Bill Summary - 21LSO-0617 Bill No.: HB0236 Effective: 7/1/2021 12:00:00 AM LSO No.: 21LSO-0617 Enrolled Act No.: HEA No. 0087 Chapter No.: 142 Prime Sponsor: Washut Catch Title: Firearms transactions-financial discrimination. Subject: Prohibiting financial institutions from discriminating against firearms businesses. Summary/Major Elements: This act prohibits financial institutions from discriminating against firearms businesses because the business supports or is engaged in the lawful commerce of firearms, firearm accessories or ammunition products. In the context of this act, "discriminate" means to: Refuse to engage in the trade of any goods or services; Refrain from continuing an existing business relationship; Terminate an existing business relationship; Otherwise unlawfully discriminate against a person. The act specifies situations in which a financial institution may choose not to provide services to a firearm business, such as for a business or financial reason, as a regulatory requirement, or when a financial institution has a written policy against discrimination against firearms businesses. The act creates a civil action and specifies civil remedies, including several types of allowable damage awards, injunctive relief and attorney's fees. The act specifies a statute of limitations of two (2) years on the civil actions it allows. This act authorizes the Wyoming Attorney General to bring an action to request a declaratory judgment, an injunction or a civil penalty not to exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00) per violation. The Attorney General also shall also inform the Governor and request that the state terminate any business relationship with any financial institution found to have violated this act. The remedies and actions available or required under this act are not applicable if a financial institution has a written policy prohibiting the institution from discriminating against firearm entities. The above summary is not an official publication of the Wyoming Legislature and is not an official statement of legislative intent. While the Legislative Service Office endeavored to provide accurate information in this summary, it should not be relied upon as a comprehensive abstract of the bill.
Public statements
Last checked Aug 5, 9:44 PM
R · H09
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes the bill because an amendment allows private organizations to override statutory restrictions by simply stating a non-discrimination policy, which they believe makes the law unenforceable.
R · H54
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because they believe it is inappropriate for legislation to restrict how private financial institutions choose their business partners, and the amendment addresses this concern.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because it targets blanket discrimination against an entire industry, while allowing exemptions for institutions that already have non-discrimination policies.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because they believe it achieves necessary justice and is enforceable, noting that bankers helped draft the amendment.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because they believe it helps diversify the state's economy and encourages industry growth, viewing the amendment as a good faith improvement.
R · S25
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because it protects freedom to invest in legal businesses and aligns with Wyoming's pro-business environment, noting that banks are already competing for these companies.
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill as a countermeasure against cancel culture using financial institutions to target legal firearm businesses and their customers.
If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.
Wyoming roll calls
5 roll calls
Official activity
Changes
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The amendment adds a new section to the bill that prohibits financial institutions from discriminating against any entity based on certain protected characteristics, such as race or religion.
The amendment increases the minimum amount of damages a successful plaintiff can receive from $10,000 to $20,000 in civil actions against financial institutions that discriminate against firearms businesses.
The amendment changes the bill to allow financial institutions with specific policies against discrimination towards firearms businesses to be exempt from certain provisions.
The amendment changes the bill's focus from prohibiting financial discrimination against firearms businesses to also including protections for those involved in or advocating for the forcible housing of military personnel.
The amendment changes the definition of 'financial institution' and who can regulate them in a bill about banks not discriminating against firearm businesses.