The Indiana Refreshment Providers Association (IRPA) works towards passage of bill HB 1013 that will afford food and drinks sold from vending machines the same sales tax treatment as other retailers. In a recent email to members, Lobbyist and Executive Director Steve Beebe wrote:
"Indiana HB 1013, which will afford food and drinks sold from vending machines the same sales tax treatment as every other retailer, passed the Senate Commerce & Technology Committee by a vote of 9 - 0 earlier today. Thanks to Committee Chair (and co-sponsor) Sen. Mark Messmer who demonstrated his understanding of our issue during the hearing and co-sponsors of the bill, Senators Ryan Mishler, Jim Buck and Karen Tallian. Those senators voting “yes” include: Mark Messmer, Jim Merritt, Lonnie Randolph, Mike Delph, Erin Houchin, Eric Koch, Tim Lanane, Jean Leising and Jim Tomes. Jeff Snyder gave the IRPA testimony and was backed-up by Justin McDonald of American Food and Vending.
If any of the senators I mentioned in the above paragraph is your senator, please email them and thank them for their support! Emails can be sent from this link: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2017/committees/commerce_technology.
HB 1013 will now be recommitted to another committee, Tax & Fiscal Policy chaired by Sen. Brandt Hershman. We are at the critical juncture for the passage of this bill. If we can obtain a hearing in this committee and receive a majority vote, the chance of passing the bill into law is outstanding."
The IRPA board continues it's aggressive push of state legislation that will not only effect operators in the state of Indiana, but that will also assist other state Associations in their push for consistent legislation. In addition to this positive note, Indiana SB77 which legally defines a micro-market and it's operation will receive it's first hearing in the Indiana House of Representatives on Wed., March 15th at 1:30 pm, reports IRPA President Jeff Snyder.
If there are questions or thoughts regarding the IRPA legislative movement feel free to contact Steve Beebe @ sbeebe@thelobbyfirm.com or Jeff Snyder @[email protected].
