Main Street Member Call to Action:
Prevent Big Retailers from Promoting Legislation
Burdensome to eBay Sellers

Dear Maryland Main Street Member,
Have you ever wanted to sell an unwanted gift card you received during the holidays? Do you currently sell or plan to sell cosmetics or other toiletries on eBay? On March 6th, the Maryland House of Delegates Economic Matters Committee will consider legislation - H.B. 1297 sponsored by Delegate Brian Feldman (D-Montgomery County) - which would make it a criminal offense for eBay sellers in Maryland to sell gift cards, baby formula and cosmetics.

If H.B. 1297, the "Internet Auction Sales Act," becomes law, you could face a $1000 fine or up to one year in jail for selling that holiday gift card, unwanted cologne, or a carton of powdered baby formula you might have received at the hospital.

What is fundamentally at stake is that the large retailers behind this bill are attacking the right of individuals, entrepreneurs and small businesses to compete with them. H.B. 1297 sets a dangerous precedent that could lead to further regulation of products sold over the Internet. And to make this proposed legislation even worse, it would only apply to Maryland citizens; placing Maryland Internet buyers and sellers at a competitive disadvantage with others around the country.

It is essential that eBay users come together to tell our own story - one of opportunity and an equal playing field - so that Maryland lawmakers will do the right thing and reject H.B. 1297.

If you would like to see this proposal defeated, please write to your state delegate. Ask him or her to vote "No" on H.B. 1297 to prevent retailers from regulating Maryland citizens' ability to sell products via the Internet.

Click here to send a letter to your representative today

Thank you for making your voice heard,
The eBay Government Relations Team

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