Republicans Urge Gov. Nixon to Sign Auto Sales Tax Legislation

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- As Gov. Jay Nixon closes in on a July 14 deadline to sign or veto legislation, Republican lawmakers are urging him to sign a bill that would allow Missouri localities to instate a sales tax on vehicles sold outside of the state.

The General Assembly approved the legislation late in session, but Gov. Jay Nixon has threatened to veto it claiming it is a tax increase on Missourians that has not been voted on by the people.

Speaking with reporters earlier this week, Republican Floor Leader Tim Jones (R-St. Louis), urged Nixon to join "an overwhelming bipartisan" majority of lawmakers in supporting the measure.

"There is not actual increase in taxation here," Jones said. "Because of a court decision, we now have a problem -- a loophole -- we have to fix."

The Missouri Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that localities could only impose a sales tax on automobiles purchased outside of the state only if local voters approved one.

For his part, Nixon again said he opposes the legislation, but would not say what his action will be.

"If you're going to raise taxes, it has to go to a vote of the people," Nixon said. "I think it is pretty clear the people have the right to weigh in on issues like this when you're talking about taxation on automobiles."

Jones said he was unsure if the House would be able to override a potential veto from Nixon, noting that it would require "a few brave Democrats" to vote the same way.

The vehicle sales tax legislation is House Bill 1329.