Here is the latest real-time state update from the PMA Performance Marketing Alliance Association on the Anti-affiliate marketing internet tax legislation. The tax legislation is rapidly moving from state to state. There is an industry community call to action to help the coalition of companies fighting the tax that seriously threatens everyone in the industry. The coalition particularly needs affiliates to get involved because the States are most concerned how the tax hurts small businesses.The PMA site has ALL the tools and info for affiliates to make it very easy to participate in fighting the tax in their state.

Minnesota :: URGENT AFFILIATE COMMUNITY ACTION NEEDED

There was lobbying intelligence that indicated this bill would disappear, but it has not. A senate hearing is scheduled for this Thursday, April 16th. Affiliates desperately need to take action tomorrow, Wednesday the 15th, by emailing their state senators. More information can be found in this post.

Connecticut  :: URGENT AFFILIATE COMMUNITY ACTION NEEDED

This is a very challenging state. The bill has already passed out of committee and is expected to be fast-tracked through both the house and the senate. If you live in Connecticut and haven’t emailed your legislators, please do so now. More information can be found in this post.

Hawaii

This bill has just risen from the dead. Last week nexus language was stricken from a digital goods bill by the senate. This week, when the bill went back to the house, they added the nexus language back in. One of the lobbyists we’re working with is getting more information on what happened, and who should be contacted next. If you live in Hawaii, we’ll be reaching out to you soon.

California  :: URGENT ATTENTION April 27 deadline

This fight is ongoing.  We have learned there are 3 committee members are wavering in their support: Beals, Ma and Coto. We are working on a targeted effort to have affiliates in their district outreach directly to these influential people. Brad Waller is coordinating district visits and another lobby day in Sacramento. If interested, email: lobby_day@performancemarketingalliance.com. Several people, including Brook Schaaf, Karen Garcia and Lisa Picarille, are also organizing editorial visits with mainstream press.

Maryland

This bill was successfully shot down in the committee, due in large part, to the efforts of Maryland affiliates who reached out to their legislators. We were told they were very surprised to the opposition to the bill. However, we fully expect this bill will be reintroduced next year when their legislative session opens. This will be an ongoing problem with every state – it will continue to show up every year.

Illinois

There still isn’t a bill number. One lobbyist was in Springfield today and said that to pass a rule change like this, the office of Revenue would need to formally propose a rule change, and then a joint legislative committee would have 120 days to review it, and determine if they want to overturn it.  We are keeping an eye on this but there doesn’t appear to be a need to act just yet.

Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee

Still rumors of discussions in the halls, but no activity or buzz over the past week. The situations could change quickly, so we’ll let you know as soon as we know more.