As eBay sellers in various states deal with initiatives to regulate their businesses, the battle continues to heat up in Louisiana. The state's Auctioneers Association issued a press release yesterday to announce its opposition to Senate Bill 642, which seeks to exempt online auction sellers from licensing requirements.

Last month, eBay had sent letters to all of its users in the state warning them they were subject to the licensing. The Auctioneers Association press release stated:

"There seems to be some confusion and misinformation regarding the application of the auction license law to individuals and businesses that buy and sell goods at Internet auction websites. An individual selling his or her own goods on-line through an Internet auction website is not required to have an auctioneer or auction business license. However, an individual or business that takes goods on consignment from a third party for sale at an Internet auction website for a fee is required to have an auction business license. The license law only applies to individuals or businesses that sell property owned by a third party for a fee."

The announcement cites Internet auction fraud statistics, and states: "If the Commerce Committee rejects Senate Bill 642 and maintains the current law, the Louisiana Auctioneers Licensing Board will be able to enforce the current provisions to protect Louisiana's citizens and economy. The Louisiana Auctioneers Association will oppose Senate Bill 642 and requests others to join them in the fight to protect consumers."

Other states enforcing existing laws or trying to create new laws to regulate eBay sellers include California, Tennessee, Illinois, Florida and Texas. eBay has set up a website to educate users about its government relations efforts at http://www.ebaymainstreet.com.

http://www.louisianaauctioneers.org