House committee substitute to the 1st edition makes the following changes.

Modifies definition of payment card network to mean an entity that: (1) directly or through licensed members, processors, or agents, provides the proprietary services, infrastructure, and software to route information and data for the purpose of conducting electronic payment transaction authorization, clearance, and settlement; and (2) a merchant uses to accept as a form of payment a brand of debit card, credit card, or other device that may be used to carry out electronic payment transactions (was, an entity involved in facilitating or processing an electronic transfer of funds between a merchant and a customer using a payment card). Keeps exclusions. Expands the conduct prohibited under GS 66-531 so that a payment card network also cannot permit a firearms code in connection with a payment transaction involving a firearms merchant located in the State. Changes the cap for civil penalties under GS 66-514 from $10,000 to $5,000 for each violation.