In Vermont, Arkansas, and Minnesota, Sales Tax Fairness Efforts Pick Up Steam

Illinois Gov. Patrick Quinn (D) made headlines last week when he signed an affiliate nexus bill into law. And on the heels of Quinn’s signing, in Vermont, Arkansas, and Minnesota, sales tax fairness bills have recently had early successes.

In Vermont last week, the state House of Representatives passed H.143, affiliate nexus legislation similar to the bill just signed by Gov. Quinn. H.143 is sponsored by Vermont state Rep. Jeff Wilson (D-Manchester). In Arkansas, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to pass a similar law, Senate Bill 738, sponsored by Sen. Jake Files (R-Fort Smith). And, in Minnesota, Gov. Mark Dayton (D) recommended that affiliate nexus language be included in the proposed state budget.

“A growing number of states are making clear that they understand the long-term consequences if steps aren’t taken to remedy sales tax inequity. As a result, we’re seeing a sales tax fairness movement gaining traction in a number of states,” said Oren Teicher, ABA CEO. “Thankfully, legislators are standing up for Main Street. They aren’t being intimidated by Amazon.com’s threats to terminate affiliates, and they’re not being swayed by the spin put forth by opponents of fair and competitive marketplaces. We believe that by signing sales tax fairness into law last week, Gov. Quinn has bolstered support for current legislation and that Illinois’ new law will spur the introduction of more bills. As more states make clear they support sales tax fairness, giant online retailers seeking to maintain an unfair corporate advantage will have nowhere left to hide.”

In Vermont, H.143 is currently being considered in the Senate, and ABA is urging its members in the state to contact their state senators in support of the bill. Booksellers should feel free to adapt the Letter in Support of H.143, found in ABA’s E-Fairness Action Kit [1], and e-mail it to their senators. Booksellers who prefer to call their state senators can use the letter as a source for talking points.

In Arkansas, S.B.738 now goes to the House, and ABA is asking its Arkansas-based members to contact their representatives in support of the bill. Booksellers should feel free to adapt the Letter in Support of S.B.738, found in ABA’s E-Fairness Action Kit [2], and e-mail it to their senators. Booksellers who prefer to call their state senators can use the letter as a source for talking points.

In Minnesota, the affiliate nexus language is part of the proposed budget. Minnesota members should expect an e-mail from ABA in the next week regarding outreach efforts in the state. The Minnesota budget can be viewed here [3]; the affiliate nexus proposal is on page 24.