NORTH CAROLINA -- As holiday shopping kicks into high gear, this weekend -- the debate continues over whether online retailers should have to collect the same sales tax as brick and mortar stores in North Carolina.

Right now, that collection only happens, if the online shop also has a physical presence in the state.

A proposal currently sitting in the legislature would create an "economic nexus" -- if 200 sales or $100,000 of online business is done in the state.

Economists say this is an important debate to be having.

 “We're going to continue to rely on the sales tax as a major source of revenue for the state, and originally of course, that was designed to capture most sales - well, if a good part of your sales is not being captured, online sales in this case.  then yes, i think it is time for a discussion, and probably time for some remedy,” said Michael Walden, an economist at NC State University.

There's a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, dealing with a similar law passed in South Dakota.

The bill, here in North Carolina, has been approved by the senate, and awaits consideration in the house, during the short session.