Hancock added, "Out-of-state online merchants are able to underprice local stores and California-based online businesses by as much as 10% by simply refusing to collect state sales tax. We're finally on our way to changing that in a way that will help small business and brings in more revenue. It's only fair."
The three bills that are part of today's legislative package include:
* Senator Hancock's SB 234, which insures that the state tax board (Board of Equalization) has the authority to enforce collection of state sales tax by out-of-state retailers.
* Assemblyman Calderon's AB 158, which specifies that retailers have a business "nexus" or connection with the state if any member of their corporate family is located in the state.
* Assemblyman Skinner's AB 153, which obligates Amazon and others that use in-state affiliates to promote their sales to collect state sales tax immediately.
The measure incorporating the three bills now goes to the State Assembly, where a vote is also expected later today.
Hancock's bill should pass the Assembly on a majority vote basis today, and head to the Governor's desk.
