The so-called "Amazon bill" is back.
Assembly Bill 153, introduced yesterday by Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, would require online-only out-of-state retailers to collect state sales taxes for purchases sold in California.
The Berkeley Democrat's office estimates the change could generate $300 million in state and local revenues as the state looks for ways to fill a projected 18-month deficit of $26.4 billion.
This isn't the first time legislators have considered mandating sales tax for the online shopping hubs -- the concept has been pushed both in legislation introduced by Skinner in 2009 and during past budget negotiations. Previous efforts faced major opposition from online retailers, including Amazon.com, Overstock.com and eBay. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed it out of a 2009 budget bill.
Skinner is holding a 10 a.m. press conference on the Capitol's north steps to talk about the bill, which is being touted as "E-Fairness" legislation since it would hold out-of-state retailers to the same sales tax standards as state-based ones. Representatives from Barnes and Noble, California Retailers Association, the California Federation of Teachers and other business interests are scheduled to be on hand to show support.
On the budget front, Gov. Jerry Brown is planning on speaking to new mayors, council members and city managers at a League of California Cities conference at the Hyatt in downtown Sacramento. The governor is scheduled to address the group at 12:30 p.m.
BOARD OF REGENTS: The University of California Board of Regents continues its three-day meeting today at UC San Diego's Price Center starting at 8:30 a.m. Expected to be on hand: Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. Click here for the schedule. The open sessions will be audio-streamed at this link.
REPORT: Next 10 and partner organizations release a new report on the state's "green" economy this morning. The 10 a.m. release of "Many Shades of Green: Regional Distribution and Trends in California's Green Economy 2011," will include a panel discussion at Siemens Mobility Corporate Headquarters featuring Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson.
TOWN HALL: Assemblyman Roger Dickinson, D-Sacramento, is hosting a town hall-style meeting on Gov. Jerry Brown's budget proposal. The two-hour meeting at the Samuel C. Pannell Meadowview Community Center (2450 Meadowview Road) starts at 6 p.m.
BIRTHDAY: Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, turns 37.
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