Prohibiting financial institutions from discriminating against firearms businesses

SB 78 prohibits West Virginia financial institutions (including banks and payment processors) from refusing services to firearms businesses - such as manufacturers, retailers, shooting ranges, and trade associations - solely because of their business in firearms or ammunition. The law allows affected businesses to sue for damages (including triple damages), and empowers the Attorney General to file civil actions, seek injunctions, or impose $20,000 penalties per violation for repeated discrimination. Exceptions include legitimate business reasons or if a financial institution already has a written anti-discrimination policy. Violations could also trigger state termination of business relationships with the institution.