The economic slump is helping rekindle a debate on whether
online retailers should have to collect state sales taxes, a
question that has pitted the new economy against the old.  A
half dozen cash-strapped states are contemplating new laws that
would require e-commerce sites to charge shoppers local sales
tax on purchases.  On Wednesday, Maryland legislators heard
testimony from local merchants and Web site operators on a bill
that could compel Web sites that employ local marketing
affiliates to collect sales tax in the state. That followed a
hearing Monday in Connecticut over a similar proposal.  Widening
the Net  Some states have adopted laws that compel Web sites to
collect sales tax and others are considering doing so.     • New
York Since 2008; being challenged in court   • North Carolina
Since 2009   • Rhode Island Since 2009; some lawmakers have
proposed a repeal   • Colorado Since 2010; asks merchants to
collect or provide data about purchases     • California   •
Connecticut   • Illinois   • Maryland