Technology

House Bill 38, known as the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, prohibits payment card networks from using a specific "firearms code" to identify or track purchases made at firearms merchants in North Carolina. It also forbids these networks from knowingly maintaining records of individuals in the state who own firearms. The bill aims to prevent the separate tracking of lawful firearm and ammunition purchases and protect the financial privacy of individuals exercising their right to bear arms. Payment card networks are also prohibited from discriminating against firearms merchants based on code assignment. Violations can lead to civil penalties assessed by the Attorney General or civil lawsuits from affected merchants or individuals.

HB 211, "The Kelsey Smith Act," authorizes wireless telecommunications carriers to provide a device's location information to law enforcement under specific emergency circumstances. This includes situations where a 911 call was made or there is reasonable suspicion of an emergency involving risk of death or serious physical harm. Wireless carriers are required to submit their emergency contact information to the State Bureau of Investigation, which will maintain a database for public safety answering points. The bill protects carriers from legal action if they provide this information in good faith.