Maryland bill would exempt PTA book fairs from sales tax; volunteers and parents urge relief
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Summary
Delegate Julie Polakovich Carr and parents urged HB358 to exempt PTA‑run school book fairs from sales tax so small purchases don't force children to put books back; supporters said neighboring states already allow the exemption.
House Bill 358, sponsored by Delegate Julie Polakovich Carr, would exempt PTA book‑fair sales from the state sales tax. The sponsor said PTA volunteers do most operational work while third‑party vendors provide inventory and point‑of‑sale systems; taxing transactions reduces children's ability to buy books and undermines a literacy moment.
Parents and PTA volunteers gave several classroom examples of children excited to buy inexpensive books only to put titles back once tax was added at the register. Supporters noted Virginia and West Virginia exempt PTA book fairs and asked Maryland to follow suit to encourage reading and ease PTA fundraising.
Committee members asked cost and compliance considerations, and witnesses estimated the proposal would be low cost for the state while producing direct literacy benefits for schoolchildren. No vote was taken at the hearing.
