Industry group supports closing rental‑car sales‑tax carveout as fair revenue measure

Brianna January of the Chamber of Progress told the committee she strongly supports H.3160 (and S.2028) to end a longstanding sales‑tax carveout for large rental‑car companies. The Chamber described the measure as a fairness reform that would align rental companies' purchases with the tax treatment paid by ordinary vehicle purchasers and estimated substantial revenue.

"Our estimates suggest that doing so would generate over $186,000,000 annually in revenue for Massachusetts," January said, and she argued the measure would not directly increase taxes on residents because it targets a corporate carveout.

Committee members asked about cross‑state impacts and the competitive landscape for rental companies; January said similar measures are under consideration elsewhere and cited recent actions in neighboring states. The committee requested written analyses and impact estimates; no vote was taken during the hearing.