By SEN. MIKE CRONK AND REP. CATHY TILTON
In a time when privacy concerns dominate public discourse, the conversation surrounding the tracking of gun and ammunition purchases by financial institutions has become increasingly urgent.
We introduced companion bills, SB 136 and HB 143 respectively, to prohibit such tracking which is not merely a matter of protecting gun owners; it is a broader issue of civil liberties and personal privacy.
At the heart of the matter lies the principle of privacy. Financial institutions have long been entrusted with sensitive personal information. The idea that these institutions could monitor, record, and report on an individual’s legal purchases of firearms and ammunition raises significant legal and ethical questions. It is crucial to consider whether consumers should have the right to engage in legal transactions without being subjected to surveillance or profiling based on their choices. By prohibiting the tracking of these purchases, these bills affirm the importance of personal autonomy and the right to privacy in a constitutional republic.
Moreover, tracking gun and ammunition purchases could set a dangerous precedent. Once the door is opened to monitoring one type of transaction, where does it end? Today, it may be firearms; tomorrow, it could extend to other personal purchases, creating a slippery slope towards broader financial surveillance. The implications are unsettling: a society where individuals are constantly monitored for their purchases could lead to a culture of fear and distrust.
Citizens should not have to worry that their lawful activities might be scrutinized or reported to authorities without just cause.
Legislation that prohibits the tracking of gun and ammo purchases also serves to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens. The vast majority of gun owners are responsible individuals who abide by the law. Subjecting them to tracking merely for exercising their rights can be viewed as an infringement on those rights.
These bills are a necessary step toward safeguarding our privacy and civil liberties. This shared effort is an affirmation of the belief that individuals should have the right to engage in legal activities without being monitored or judged. They are bills similar to those passed in other states and another currently in Congress. SB 136 is in the Senate Labor and
Commerce Committee and the House companion, HB 143, is in the House State Affairs Committee.
Sen. Mike Cronk represents Senate District R in the Alaska State Senate including the communities of Northway, Tok and parts of the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Rep. Cathy Tilton represents House District 26 in the Alaska House of Representatives including the areas of Fairview Loop, Knik-Goose Bay and Settlers Bay in the greater Wasilla area.
Cash.
These two would be a solid governor’s ticket!
Agree
Cash and not using membership “rewards/points” cards or phone numbers associated with store accounts. Also, you have to turn off your bluetooth/near field communication while in the stores/buildings as well.
See: ‘https://www.marketingdive.com/ex/mobilemarketer/cms/news/software-technology/16188.html
AND
‘https://www.itransition.com/retail/beacons
Agreed.
There is a reason why all of my guns are cash purchase and as of this last year the only reuirement for the Federal Form is to be kept at the dealer when I buy one since the conceal carry in the state has exempted NCIS background. So unless the government comes out with confiscation the only one that knows is me and the dealer.
Sure, cash, but that’s not the point of the article.
“They” could easily make firearm/ammo purchase illegal to perform with anything other than credit card.
No cash, no trade, no barter.
Thus merely one of the inherent dangers of a CBDC (Cental Bank Digital Currency). Much easier to implement during a crisis (or more likely a created crisis) much like how many businesses would no longer take cash during the Covid Troubles….
Deem the handling of cash a “public health danger” and voila! All transactions digital and able to be controlled with the iron fist of authoritarian government banking.