IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Policies & IssuesJun 15, 2017
Wisc. Congressman Pushes Back Against Online Sales Tax
Jim Sensenbrenner’s “No Regulation Without Representation” Act would prohibit states from imposing sales tax collection requirements on businesses that have no physical presence in the state.
Washington--One Republican in the House of Representatives is pushing back against legislation that would give states the power to force online retailers to collect sales tax in every state.
On Monday, Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) reintroduced the “No Regulation Without Representation” Act, which would prohibit states from imposing sales tax requirements on businesses with no physical presence in the state and no vote in the representation that would implement the tax.
In a release announcing the revival of the bill, which was first introduced last year but died in committee, Sensenbrenner’s office said that states are growing “increasingly aggressive” in imposing regulations on out-of-state businesses in their “never-ending quest for new revenues.”
“Over-taxation and regulatory burdens weigh heavy on American businesses. These practices prohibit economic growth, stunt hiring and make it harder for businesses to expand,” the congressman said in the release. “(This act) helps alleviate these burdens, promotes entrepreneurial endeavors, and is an ally of small business.”
Sensenbrenner’s office did not respond when contacted for further comment Wednesday.
Among the act’s supporters are House Judiciary Committee Chair Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.)--who co-sponsored the bill and has been a longtime opponent of sales tax “fairness”--Jewelry Television (JTV) and online retailer Overstock.com.
“As a remote retailer of colored gem stones and jewelry, JTV supports this bill because it will put a stop to the onslaught of out-of-state legislation and regulation designed to regulate interstate sales without representation and without nexus,” JTV’s Charlie Wagner said in a statement to Bloomberg BNA. “This growing patchwork of state-level laws and regulations undermines interstate commerce and further development of e-commerce, which is so important to our nation’s economy.”
The No Regulation Without Representation Act (H.R. 2887) is in direct contraction with the “Remote Transactions Parity Act,” which Rep. Kristi Noem (R-South Dakota) reintroduced in the House earlier this year, and the “Marketplace Fairness Act” in the Senate.
While not identical, the aim of both bills is to allow states to require out-of-state sellers to collect sales tax, regardless of whether or not they have a physical presence in the state. This, supporters say, would help brick-and-mortar retailers, many of whom find themselves at a further price disadvantage when online sellers don’t have to collect state sales tax.
Retail organizations, including Jewelers of America and the National Retail Federation, have been lobbying for sales tax “fairness” on behalf of their members for years.
Both
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
JA and the NRF spoke out against Sensenbrenner’s proposal.
“This new bill is not fair to Main Street retailers,” JA President and CEO David Bonaparte said Wednesday. “It would give online retailers an upper hand by not requiring them to have to charge sales tax ... and that’s what we’re fighting against.
“We don’t agree with this proposal.”
The NRF called the bill “out of step with the modern digital economy.”
Chris Fetzer, of Washington, D.C.-based firm Haake Fetzer, which lobbies in Washington on behalf of JA, said as of now, the No Regulation Without Representation Act doesn’t have a companion bill in the Senate or the support required for its passage there.
He also pointed out Sensenbrenner’s act has a total of eight sponsors, all Republicans, while the Remote Transactions Parity Act, has 20, 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats, and that Sensenbrenner and Goodlatte tried but failed to get other Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee to sign on as co-sponsors for the bill.
“It’s a positive sign for supporters of federal sales tax fairness legislation that there were no takers,” Fetzer said. “Furthermore, Rep. Sensenbrenner’s previous version of this bill, which was introduced in July 2016, died in committee at the end of the 114th Congress. His new version of the bill may well suffer the same fate.”
The text of Sensenbrenner’s No Regulation Without Representation Act can be viewed here. A full list of the act’s co-sponsors is available on Congress.gov.
“This new bill is not fair to Main Street retailers,” JA President and CEO David Bonaparte said Wednesday. “It would give online retailers an upper hand by not requiring them to have to charge sales tax ... and that’s what we’re fighting against.
“We don’t agree with this proposal.”
The NRF called the bill “out of step with the modern digital economy.”
Chris Fetzer, of Washington, D.C.-based firm Haake Fetzer, which lobbies in Washington on behalf of JA, said as of now, the No Regulation Without Representation Act doesn’t have a companion bill in the Senate or the support required for its passage there.
He also pointed out Sensenbrenner’s act has a total of eight sponsors, all Republicans, while the Remote Transactions Parity Act, has 20, 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats, and that Sensenbrenner and Goodlatte tried but failed to get other Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee to sign on as co-sponsors for the bill.
“It’s a positive sign for supporters of federal sales tax fairness legislation that there were no takers,” Fetzer said. “Furthermore, Rep. Sensenbrenner’s previous version of this bill, which was introduced in July 2016, died in committee at the end of the 114th Congress. His new version of the bill may well suffer the same fate.”
The text of Sensenbrenner’s No Regulation Without Representation Act can be viewed here. A full list of the act’s co-sponsors is available on Congress.gov.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private EquityThe Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry AuctionThe fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
Lab-GrownSep 24, 2026
Kira Jewels Opens B2B E-Commerce Portal for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, PersonalizationThis holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7CsPaul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.
MajorsSep 23, 2026
Kay Jewelers’ New Campaign Goes ‘All In’ on LovePart of its brand relaunch, the marketing around the campaign includes a contest involving a jacket set with 550 diamonds.
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Exhibition Opening at Arkansas Museum The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry CollabThe jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Texas Jewelers Association to Celebrate 120th AnniversaryThe association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.
