Indian smokeshops are under attack by convenience store owners and state governments as two taxation bills move through Congress.

The bills would require smokeshops that do business online to pay state taxes. They would subject tribes and individual Indians to lawsuits if they refuse to comply.

The Senate passed its version of the bill last year after a section waiving sovereign immunity was removed. Still, other provisions allowing state enforcement in Indian Country remain. The House version retains the anti-tribal language.

Get the Story:
Indian Sales of Tobacco Face New Pressure (The New York Times 9/26)
pwnyt

Get the Bills:
Internet Tobacco Sales Enforcement Act (H.R.2824) | PACT Act (S.1177)

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Convenience stores blame revenue loss on Indians (05/25)
Seneca Nation drops lawsuit over Internet tobacco (04/22)
Seneca Nation drops lawsuit over Internet tobacco (04/22)
House leader vows fight against tobacco tax bill (02/04)
Tobacco tax bill has broad group of supporters (2/2)
Tobacco tax bill still poses challenges for Indian Country (12/16)
Tribes left out of Internet and cigarette tax bills (11/19)