HB436 Summary

• Exempts specified emergency preparedness and disaster relief items from state sales and use tax during the first full weekend in July 2012 and the last full weekend of February in subsequent years.

• Defines "covered items" as goods priced at $60 or less including batteries, radios, flashlights, tarps, duct tape, plywood, coolers, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and fuel containers; portable generators and power cords up to $1,000 are also included.

• Allows counties and municipalities to adopt resolutions or ordinances providing local sales and use tax exemptions for covered items during the same periods, with at least 14 days' notice required.

• Prohibits counties and municipalities from providing sales tax exemptions during any other time period not designated as an official sales tax holiday.

• Requires the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue to promulgate rules implementing the exemption in compliance with the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement.