By Puyallup Tribal News Staff
Vice Chairwoman Sylvia Miller testified on Feb. 21 in support of a bill that would simplify car sales to Tribal members in Washington state. The bill, HB1525, would provide a sales and use tax exemption for a motor vehicle sold to a Tribe or Tribal member.
Rep. Amy Walen of the 48th Legislative District and the bill’s prime sponsor, summarized the legislation to the state House Finance Committee.
“I think it’s most straightforward to say it this way: If you’re an Oregon resident and you have an out-of-state driver’s license, you can come in, buy your vehicle and drive away. If you’re a member of a sovereign Tribe, you’re not able to do that,” she said. “You need to arrange for the vehicle to be delivered into Indian Country. You can’t simply show your Tribal identification and be exempt from sales tax. You’re already exempt from sales tax if you’re a Tribal member.”
Vice Chairwoman Miller gave her testimony virtually from the new Tribal Administration building. “Tribal members should not face additional hurdles or costs when purchasing vehicles simply because of their residence or location of the dealership,” she said.
Learn more about the bill and follow progress on the state Legislature’s website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary (put “1525” in the search field, select “bill” and hit “search.”)
