Tribal tax bill advances

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2002

A Idaho legislative committee on Tuesday passed a bill to retroactively tax Idaho tribes.

The bill overturns an Idaho Supreme Court decision which said the tribes were exempt from a sales tax on gas. The Supreme Court subsequently refused to hear the case and the tribes are seeking a refund of taxes paid.

Tribal leaders criticized the swift action and said the bill won't withstand a legal challenge. Gov. Dick Kempthorne, who wants the bill passed even though the legislative session is over in three days, believes the issue can still be negotiated.

Get the Story:
Gas bill turns back clock, tribes say (The Spokesman Review 3/13)

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