May 4, 2009
The NH Legislature is considering a bill, SB5, to prohibit retailers from disclosing private customer information from sales to other states. This was filed in response to the Town Fair Tire situation in which Massachusetts wanted to collect sales tax on NH sales to Massachusetts residents. Our Attorney General quickly opposed this move by Massachusetts. The Senate has passed the bill and it is currently in the House. The Massachusetts High Court is apparently set to hear the arguments on this case. States choose their tax policy and must live with the consequences—in this case people choose to shop over the border in tax free NH. This case could have serious ramifications across our state and across the country if successful. The Commerce Committee is set to vote on this proposal this week.