Gov. Signs Sales Tax Holiday Bill Into Law

Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a bill creating a tax-free holiday shopping weekend.

The measure that will let shoppers avoid paying the state's 6.25 percent sales tax on certain goods on Aug. 14 and 15 was part of a larger economic development bill Patrick signed Thursday.

The bill also overhauls the state's network of business development agencies and creates new streamlined permitting rules for projects in cities throughout the state.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo says the sales tax will help consumers purchase back-to-school goods.

The governor vetoed a section of the bill that would have allowed warehouse club retailers to avoid putting prices on all items.

The state skipped the holiday last year for budget reasons.