Bill > H3513

This bill temporarily exempts certain educational technology, specifically "mobile electronic devices" defined as handheld or portable electronic equipment used for educational input like tablet computers and touch-screen laptops (but excluding audio equipment, cell phones, and devices solely for navigation or video entertainment), from sales tax for the entire month of August each year. This means that during August, vendors will not add to or collect sales tax on these devices from non-business purchasers, and the commissioner of revenue will not require vendors to collect and pay this tax, with an exception for individual items costing over $2,500. While reporting requirements for vendors remain in place, the commissioner of revenue will annually report on the amount of sales tax forgone and any new revenue generated as a result of this exemption to legislative committees. The bill also clarifies that only sales where possession is transferred or full payment is made within August are eligible for the exemption, excluding prior sales or layaway plans, and it takes effect on July 1, 2017.