Federal Issues

Bill to Eliminate Dispute Arbitration Harms Retailers and Consumers

For more than 80 years, arbitration has helped Americans settle disputes fairly, quickly and inexpensively, without having to file a lawsuit or navigate the court system. The Arbitration Fairness Act (S. 931), introduced in the Senate earlier this year, would change that.  In effect, S. 931 will nullify arbitration agreements which exist in potentially millions of consumer, employment and franchise contracts, leaving businesses with little recourse in the event of a dispute - except to file a lawsuit and incur potentially hefty legal bills. (continued)

D.C. Votes to Tax Bags

The Washington, D.C., Council approved a 5-cent fee on paper and plastic bags. The measure, which faces a second vote this month, would let businesses keep 1 cent per bag and would put the other 4 cents into a fund to clean up the Anacostia River. The Washington Post (6/3)

Taxing Internet Sales

The VRF’s Legislative Policy, adopted by the Retail Merchants Association’s Board of Directors states,   “all retail sales of tangible personal property should be treated in the same manner whether made in a traditional store, through a traditional store’s own website or by a strictly e-commerce retailer or other remote seller.  The VRF supports the equal application of laws requiring state and local Sales and Use Tax collection or the elimination of such requirements for all such retailers”.

What Obama means for e-commerce, the attached article outlines what President Obama will consider for taxing the internet, http://www.internetretailer.com/article.asp?id=30598.

Bill to Help with Credit Card Fees

The Credit Card Fair Fee Act, which was introduced in the House, would enable retailers to negotiate with banks to reduce costs associated with credit card purchases, also known as interchange fees. "This bill simply enhances competition by allowing merchants to negotiate with the dominant banks for the terms and rates of the fees," House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers said. Reuters (6/4)

Card Check Still Alive

Even though Health Insurance and the Economy have pressed ahead of Card Check as a priority of the Obama administration, the bill is not dead! Continue to call or email Senator Warner and ask him to oppose Card Check. Contact Senator Warner, http://warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=OfficeInformation

State Issues

The Virginia Retail Federation (VRF) is the advocacy arm of the Retail Alliance and the Retail Merchants Association representing retailers throughout the Commonwealth.

Below is a list of bills, by category, that passed during the 2009 General Assembly and will go into effect on July 1st.. (Note: Legislation that bans smoking goes into effect December 1, 2009.)

• Utility Issues
• Consumer Protection
• Environmental
• ABC
• Employment
• Financial Issues
• General Retail
• Insurance
• Loss Prevention
• Taxation
• Transportation

Smoking Ban begins December 1

Virginia Restaurants and Smoking

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine recently signed legislation banning smoking in Virginia's bars and restaurants. The legislation goes into effect Dec. 1, 2009, to protect Virginia restaurant workers and patrons from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. The Virginia Department of Health offers these frequently asked questions and answers about the new law and the department’s role.

Prepare Now! Plan Ahead!

All Retailers Can Participate

Sales Tax Holiday—August 7–8–9

Tax exempt items for this three day sale event in August are clothing and footwear costing $100 or less per item and school supplies costing $20 or less per item.  The sale items may be extended beyond the exempt items if the retailer pays the tax for the customer.  This is essentially giving the customer a 5% discount.  However due to Virginia law, retailers may only advertise that they will pay the tax for the customer during the event and 14 days before the event.

RMA members, who experienced the best sales results during the event, combined the 5% tax savings with other promotional offers.  The combined percentage off spurred sales and the key to success was advertising to the customer that the store was participating in the "TAX FREE DAYS".  The driver was not having to pay tax.  The Department of Taxation will post guidelines soon on their web page, http://www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=STHoliday, answering many questions; however if you have questions please call George Peyton at (804) 662-5505 or email gpeyton@retailmerchants.com.

Plastic Bag Pilot Programs, Isle of Wight County and the City of Alexandria

Pilot programs to enhance the recycling of plastic bags will be kicked off in September.  This summer the Virginia Retail Federation will work with local government officials in Isle of Wight County and the City of Alexandria to help launch recycling programs that will reduce the number of plastic bags littered and to increase recycling of plastic bags through public education and increased pilot recycling collection sites. 

The VRF secured funding for the pilot programs during the General Assembly to prevent passage of legislation that would have banned plastic bags that were less than 2.25 mils.

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