levin tax commissioner ohio commerce energy et argued march decided june historically ohio natural gas consumers purchased gas local distribution company ldc public utility serving geographic area today however consumers ohio major metropolitan areas alternatively contract independent marketers ims compete ldcs retail sales natural gas respondents mainly ims offering sell natural gas ohio consumers sued petitioner ohio tax commissioner commissioner federal alleging discriminatory taxation ims patrons violation commerce equal protection clauses sought declaratory injunctive relief invalidating three tax exemptions ohio grants exclusively ldcs initially held respondents suit blocked tax injunction act tia prohibits lower federal courts restraining assessment levy collection tax state law plain speedy efficient remedy may courts state nevertheless dismissed suit based embracive comity doctrine restrains federal courts entertaining claims risk disrupting state tax administration see fair assessment real estate mcnary sixth circuit agreed district tia holding reversed comity ruling remanded adjudication merits hibbs winn appeals believed foreclosed expansive reading comity precedents stated relied upon comity preclude original jurisdiction plaintiffs sought aid order arrest countermand state tax collection respondents challenged limited exemptions sixth circuit observed therefore success merits significantly intrude upon ohio administration tax system held comity doctrine taxpayer complaint allegedly discriminatory state taxation even framed request increase competitor tax burden must proceed originally state pp comity doctrine reflects proper respect institutions fair assessment comity constraint particular force lower federal courts asked pass constitutionality state taxation commercial activity rely chiefly taxation fund governments operations therefore methods interfered absent strong cause see dows chicago wall tia enacted specifically constrain issuance federal injunctions cases see fair assessment best understood partial codification federal reluctance interfere state taxation national private truck council oklahoma tax pp hibbs restrict comity compass plaintiffs hibbs arizona taxpayers challenged violative establishment clause tax credit allegedly served support parochial schools suit declaratory injunctive relief implicate way tax liability relief sought deplete state treasury rejecting arizona plea tia barred suit found case rationally distinguishable pathmarking controversies federal courts entertained challenges state tax credits without conceiving tia jurisdictional barrier also dispatched arizona comity argument moved sixth circuit reverse district dismissal neither hibbs decision however considered comity doctrine application cases kind presented pp respondents contend state action selects discriminatory treatment subjecting taxes imposed others class hillsborough cromwell economic legislation employ classifications subject heightened scrutiny impinge fundamental rights courts generally view constitutional challenges skepticism due respect legislative choices demands see hodel indiana taxation even fields legislatures possess greatest freedom classification madden kentucky key importance unlawful discrimination infects tax classifications legislative prescriptions constitution simply calls equal treatment equality accomplished extension invalidation unequally distributed benefit burden measure matter constitution silent see heckler mathews finding unlawful discrimination courts may attempt within bounds institutional competence implement legislature willed apprised constitutional infirmity state legislative prerogative firmly mind upon finding impermissible discrimination state tax measure generally remands case leaving interim remedial choice state courts see mckesson division alcoholic beverages tobacco dept business regulation lower federal courts consider merits suits alleging uneven state tax burdens however recourse state interim remedial determination unavailable federal tribunals lack authority remand state action initiated federal federal judges moreover bound tia generally precludes relief diminish state revenues even relief remedy least disruptive state legislature design limitations remedial competence lower federal courts counsel refrain taking cases genre long state courts equipped fairly adjudicate pp comity considerations warrant dismissal respondents suit ohio scheme unconstitutional ohio courts better positioned determine unless ohio legislature weighs comply mandate equal treatment see davis michigan dept treasury unelaborated comity hibbs counsel otherwise hardly tax case hibbs essentially attack allocation state resources allegedly unconstitutional purposes plaintiffs third parties whose tax liability relevant factor contrast premise respondents suit taxed differently ldcs hibbs sensibly read affirm case poor fit tia poor fit comity respondents argument case fit adjudication simplicity relief sought unavailing even claims merit respondents entitled preferred remedy hibbs however district found arizona tax credit impermissible establishment clause one remedy redress plaintiffs grievance invalidation tax credit issue pp sum confluence factors case absent hibbs leads conclusion comity doctrine controls first respondents seek review commercial matters ohio enjoys wide regulatory latitude suit involve fundamental right classification attracts heightened judicial scrutiny second respondents portray challengers allegedly unconstitutional tax scheme fact seeking aid endeavor improve competitive position third ohio courts better positioned federal counterparts correct violation familiar state legislative preferences tia constrain remedial options individually considerations may compel forbearance federal district courts combination however demand deference state adjudicative process pp sixth circuit concern application comity doctrine render tia effectively superfluous overlooks congress aim enacting tia secure comity doctrine diminishment comity moreover prudential doctrine state voluntarily chooses submit federal forum principles comity demand federal force case back state system ohio bureau employment servs hodory light foregoing need decide whether tia block suit pp reversed remanded ginsburg delivered opinion roberts stevens kennedy breyer sotomayor joined kennedy filed concurring opinion thomas filed opinion concurring judgment scalia joined alito filed opinion concurring judgment richard levin tax commissioner ohio petitioner commerce energy et al writ certiorari appeals sixth circuit june justice ginsburg delivered opinion case presents question whether federal district may entertain complaint allegedly discriminatory state taxation framed request increase commercial competitor tax burden relevant inquiry tax injunction act tia act prohibits lower federal courts restraining assessment levy collection tax state law plain speedy efficient remedy may courts state embracive tia comity doctrine applicable state taxation cases restrains federal courts entertaining claims relief risk disrupting state tax administration see fair assessment real estate mcnary comity doctrine hold requires claim kind presented proceed originally state ruling distinguish hibbs winn held neither tia comity doctrine barred federal district adjudicating establishment clause challenge state tax credit allegedly funneled public funds parochial schools historically natural gas consumers ohio purchased gas public utility known local distribution company ldc serving geographic area addition selling gas commodity ldcs operate networks distribution pipelines transport deliver gas consumers ldcs offer customers single bundled product comprising gas delivery today consumers ohio major metropolitan areas alternatively contract independent marketer im competes ldcs retail sales natural gas ims operate distribution pipelines use ldcs pipelines customer goes im therefore purchases two unbundled products gas im delivery ldc ohio treats ldcs ims differently tax purposes relevant ohio affords ldcs three tax exemptions ims receive first ldcs natural gas sales exempt sales use taxes ohio rev code ann lexis supp lexis lexis ldcs owe instead gross receipts excise tax lower sales use taxes ims must collect second ldcs subject commercial activities tax imposed ims taxable gross receipts lexis supp finally ohio law excludes natural gas sales gross receipts tax ims must pay purchase gas ldcs lexis commerce energy california corporation interstate gas supply ohio company ims market sell natural gas ohio consumers gregory slone ohio citizen purchased natural gas interstate gas supply since alleging discriminatory taxation ims patrons violation commerce equal protection clauses complaint app respondents sued richard levin tax commissioner ohio commissioner district southern district ohio invoking jurisdiction complaint app respondents sought declaratory injunctive relief invalidating three tax exemptions ldcs enjoy ordering commissioner stop recognizing enforcing exemptions respondents named commissioner sole defendant extend litigation include ldcs whose tax burden suit aimed district granted commissioner motion dismiss complaint tia block suit district initially held respondents like plaintiffs hibbs challenging constitutionality another tax benefit requested relief disrupt flow tax revenue state app pet cert nevertheless district decline exercise jurisdiction matter comity ohio legislature district observed chose provide challenged tax exemptions ldcs respondents requested relief requir ohio collect taxes legislature seen fit impose ibid internal quotation marks omitted relief said draw federal judges particularly inappropriate involvement state management fiscal operations ibid internal quotation marks omitted state district recognized extend exemptions ims tia proscribed relief federal two possible remedies concluded federal impose judgment state legislature mandating remedy appropriate ibid appeals sixth circuit reversed agreeing tia bar respondents suit sixth circuit rejected district comity ruling hibbs appeals believed foreclosed district expansive reading comity precedents stated relied upon comity preclude original jurisdiction plaintiffs sought aid order arrest countermand state tax collection hibbs citation omitted broad view comity cases sixth circuit feared render tia effectively superfluous sub silentio overrule series important cases presenting challenges state tax measures citing milliken bradley mueller allen ruling sixth circuit agreed seventh ninth circuits similarly read hibbs rein comity doctrine see levy pappas wilbur locke disagreed fourth circuit concluded hibbs left comity doctrine untouched see directv tolson noting respondents challenge limited exemptions satisfied therefore respondents success significantly intrude upon traditional matters state taxation sixth circuit remanded case adjudication merits unsuccessfully moving rehearing en banc app pet cert commissioner petitioned certiorari first circuit joined sixth seventh ninth circuits holding hibbs sharply limited scope comity bar coors brewing granted commissioner petition resolve disagreement among circuits ii comity considerations commissioner dominantly urges preclude exercise lower adjudicatory authority controversy given adequate forum available hear decide respondents constitutional claims agree comity doctrine counsels lower federal courts resist engagement certain cases falling within jurisdiction doctrine reflects proper respect state functions recognition fact entire country made union separate state governments continuance belief national government fare best institutions left free perform separate functions separate ways fair assessment quoting younger harris comity constraint particular force lower federal courts asked pass constitutionality state taxation commercial activity upon taxation several chiefly rely obtain means carry respective governments utmost importance modes adopted enforce taxes levied interfered little possible dows chicago wall examination decisions wrote century ago shows proper reluctance interfere prevention fiscal operations state governments caused us refrain cases federal rights persons otherwise preserved unimpaired boise artesian hot cold water boise city accord matthews rodgers long state remedy plain adequate complete scrupulous regard rightful independence state governments times actuate federal courts proper reluctance interfere injunction fiscal operations require relief denied every case asserted federal right may preserved without statutes conferring federal jurisdiction repeatedly cautioned read sensitivity relations wise judicial administration quackenbush allstate ins internal quotation marks omitted state tax cases federal courts moved different direction become free easy injunctions fair assessment brennan concurring judgment internal quotation marks omitted congress passed tia reverse trend opinion decisions however confirm continuing sway comity considerations independent act plaintiffs great lakes dredge dock huffman example sought federal judgment declaring louisiana unemployment compensation tax unconstitutional writing six years tia passage emphasized act animating concerns federal equity reminded may appropriate case refuse give special protection private rights exercise jurisdiction prejudicial public interest stay hand public interest reasonably appears private interests suffer citations omitted enacting tia noted congress recognized gave sanction practice thought congress intended cabin comity doctrine went instruct dismissal great lakes comity grounds without deciding whether act reached declaratory judgment actions decades later fair assessment ruled based comity concerns permit federal courts award damages state taxation cases state law provides adequate remedy clarified fair assessment principle comity predated act restricted passage national private truck council oklahoma tax said explicitly tia may best understood partial codification federal reluctance interfere state taxation although precedents affirm comity doctrine embracive tia several courts appeals including sixth circuit instant case comprehended hibbs restrict comity compass see supra hibbs however modest reach plaintiffs hibbs arizona taxpayers challenged state law authorizing tax credits payments organizations disbursed scholarship grants children attending private schools organizations fund attendance institutions provided religious instruction gave admissions preference basis religious affiliation ranking credit program state subsidization religion incompatible establishment clause plaintiffs sought declaratory injunctive relief order requiring organizations pay sums still possession state general fund director arizona department revenue sought escape suit federal invoking tia held litigation fell outside tia governance prior decisions holding suits blocked tia noted tied act moorings act explained restrain ed state taxpayers instituting federal actions contest liability state taxes suits successful deplete state coffers third parties like hibbs plaintiffs concluded impeded tia pursuing constitutional challenges tax benefits federal forum ibid case stressed rationally distinguishable procession pathmarking controversies federal courts entertained challenges state tax credits without conceiving tia jurisdictional barrier see griffin school bd prince edward involving inter alia tax credits contributions private segregated schools arizona revenue director also invoked comity cause dismissing action dispatched director comity argument spare moved sixth circuit reverse district dismissal earlier set see supra stated relied upon comity preclude original jurisdiction plaintiffs sought aid order arrest countermand state tax collection citation omitted citing fair assessment great lakes relying heavily hibbs respondents urge comity bar action action hibbs brief respondents explain however two cases differ markedly ways bearing comity calculus prior occasion consider comity doctrine taxpayer complaint allegedly discriminatory state taxation framed request increase competitor tax burden squarely presented question hold comity precludes exercise original jurisdiction cases kind presented iii respondents complain taxed unevenly comparison ldcs customers either equal protection dormant commerce clause theory respondents root objection state action respondents contend selects discriminatory treatment subjecting taxes imposed others class hillsborough cromwell equal protection see dennis higgins dormant commerce clause economic legislation employ classifications subject heightened scrutiny impinge fundamental courts generally view constitutional challenges skepticism due respect legislative choices demands see hodel indiana williamson lee optical taxation even fields legislatures possess greatest freedom classification madden kentucky key importance unlawful discrimination infects tax classifications legislative prescriptions constitution simply calls equal treatment equality accomplished extension invalidation unequally distributed benefit burden measure matter constitution silent see heckler mathews hen right invoked equal treatment appropriate remedy mandate equal treatment result accomplished one way quoting moines nat bank bennett internal quotation marks omitted finding unlawful discrimination affirmed courts may attempt within bounds institutional competence implement legislature willed apprised constitutional infirmity mathews califano westcott see stanton stanton state eliminates unconstitutional discrimination plainly issue state law cf booker legislative intent determines cure constitutional violation relief complaining party requests circumscribe inquiry see westcott powell concurring part dissenting part issue turn intent legislature interests state legislative prerogative firmly mind upon finding impermissible discrimination state allocation benefits burdens generally remands case leaving remedial choice hands state authorities see wengler druggists mut ins orr orr stanton skinner oklahoma ex rel williamson see levy louisiana particular review state high decision finds tax measure constitutionally infirm practice reasons comity abstain deciding remedial effects holding american trucking smith plurality opinion state found imposed impermissibly discriminatory tax retains flexibility responding determination mckesson division alcoholic beverages tobacco dept business regulation remand leaves interim solution hands subject subsequent definitive disposition state legislature lower federal courts give audience merits suits alleging uneven state tax burdens however recourse state interim remedial determination unavailable federal tribunals lack authority remand state system action initiated federal federal judges moreover bound tia absent certain exceptions see department employment act precludes relief diminish state revenues even relief remedy least disruptive state legislature limitations remedial competence lower federal courts counsel refrain taking cases genre long state courts equipped fairly adjudicate comity considerations district determined warrant dismissal respondents suit assuming arguendo respondents prevail merits obvious way achieve parity reduce respondents tax liability respondents seek relief tia stands way decree enjoin collection tax state law ambitious solution reshape relevant provisions ohio tax code federal essay relief however engage interference state taxation comity doctrine aims avoid cf state railroad tax cases respondents requested remedy order invalidating exemptions enjoyed ldcs app may far ohio legislature willed see supra short ohio scheme indeed unconstitutional surely ohio courts better positioned determine unless ohio legislature weighs comply mandate equal treatment see davis michigan dept treasury earlier noted unelaborated comity hibbs see supra led sixth circuit conclude diminished force doctrine made inapplicable intended consequential ruling hibbs hardly tax case essentially attack allocation state resources allegedly unconstitutional purposes hibbs charge state aid alleged violation establishment clause cases genre attack state allocations maintain racially segregated schools see hibbs plaintiffs hibbs outsiders tax expenditure third parties whose tax liability relevant factor case contrast premise respondents suit taxed differently ldcs unlike hibbs plaintiffs respondents object tax situation measured allegedly favorable treatment accorded ldcs hibbs held tia preclude federal challenge third party objected tax credit received others way objected liability tax provision context clarify hibbs comment comity sensibly read affirm case poor fit tia poor fit comity words deploy recast comity doctrine intended note convey establishment case cleared tia comity hurdles respondents steadfastly maintain case fit adjudication simplicity relief seek invalidation exemptions accorded ldcs explained even respondents commerce clause equal protection claims merit respondents entitlement preferred remedy see supra hibbs however district found arizona tax credit impermissible establishment clause one remedy redress plaintiffs grievance invalidation credit inevitably increase state tax receipts notably redress state similarly limited order ending allegedly impermissible state support parochial state courts greater leeway federal courts cure alleged violation nothing lost currency comity state autonomy permitting hibbs suit proceed federal forum comity sum serves ensure national government anxious though may vindicate protect federal rights federal interests always endeavors ways unduly interfere legitimate activities younger confluence factors case absent hibbs leads us conclude comity doctrine controls first respondents seek review commercial matters ohio enjoys wide regulatory latitude suit involve fundamental right classification attracts heightened judicial scrutiny second respondents portray challengers allegedly unconstitutional tax scheme fact seeking aid endeavor improve competitive position third ohio courts better positioned federal counterparts correct violation familiar state legislative preferences tia constrain remedial options individually considerations may compel forbearance part federal district courts combination however demand deference state adjudicative process sixth circuit expressed concern application comity doctrine render tia effectively superfluous see concern overlooks congress point enacting tia act passed plug two large loopholes courts opened applying comity doctrine see supra closing loopholes congress secured doctrine diminishment comity note prudential doctrine state voluntarily chooses submit federal forum principles comity demand federal force case back state system ohio bureau employment servs hodory iv conclude comity doctrine justifies dismissal respondents action need decide whether tia block suit see great lakes reserving judgment tia application comity precluded suit see also sinochem malaysia shipping federal flexibility choose among threshold grounds dismissal reasons stated sixth circuit judgment reversed case remanded proceedings consistent opinion ordered richard levin tax commissioner ohio petitioner commerce energy et al writ certiorari appeals sixth circuit june justice kennedy concurring rationale hibbs winn seems still doubtful nothing opinion today expands hibbs holding however understanding join opinion richard levin tax commissioner ohio petitioner commerce energy et al writ certiorari appeals sixth circuit june justice thomas justice scalia joins concurring judgment although remain skeptical decision hibbs winn see ante kennedy concurring agree necessary us revisit decision hold case belongs state rightly concludes hibbs permits application comity principles litigation also application tax injunction act tia act see ante concur judgment analysis supports jurisdictional nonjurisdictional grounds dismissal tia imposes jurisdictional bar see hibbs supra proper course precedents dismiss lack jurisdiction sinochem malaysia shipping congress enacted tia prohibition federal jurisdiction certain cases involving state tax issues federal courts proved unable exercise jurisdiction cases restrained manner comity requires see ante explains congress decision prohibit federal jurisdiction cases within act scope disturb jurisdiction comity principles guide exercise cases outside act purview see ante therefore agree nothing act hibbs affects application comity principles cases covered act disagree conclusion moots need us decide whether tia block th suit ante posits comity available ground dismissal even act act application case irrelevant comity also support sending case state see ante rests analysis recent holding sinochem may dismiss case nonmerits ground comity without first resolving accompanying jurisdictional issue see ante citing reliance sinochem misplaced however confuses fact may whether sinochem explains courts dismiss cases nonjurisdictional grounds jurisdiction arduous deciding substantially undermine judicial economy quoting ruhrgas ag marathon oil circumstances sinochem reiterates settled rule proper course dismiss lack jurisdiction proper course tia prohibits federal courts exercising jurisdiction action suspend restrain assessment levy collection tax state law appears agree see ante case even crabbed construction act hibbs accurately describes holding act preclude federal challenge third party object tax credit received others way object liability tax provision ante emphasizing plaintiffs hibbs outsiders tax expenditure parties whose tax liability relevant factor case respondents sense outsiders regime ask federal courts restrain ibid see also hibbs supra respondents compete entities receive tax exemptions regime providing services whose cost affected exemptions respondents thus object liability real economically significant way liability state tax regime imposes competitors makes difficult respondents match beat competitors prices fact raise objection expedient contesting competitors exemptions plainly enough qualify outsiders state scheme wish enjoin application act jurisdictional bar depend little pleading game act bar federal suit challenging state tax scheme requires challenger pay taxes competitor challenger styles suit objection tax liability bar suit styles objection competitor exemption appears agree even hibbs endorse narrow view act jurisdictional bar see ante proper course dismiss suit statute reach comity principles correctly holds independently support result sinochem supra unlike sinochem economy deciding case nonjurisdictional ground analysis supports dismissal comity reasons subjects case act jurisdictional prohibition even construed hibbs compare ante sinochem supra approving dismissal suit forum non conveniens grounds dismissal personal jurisdiction grounds required expense delay minitrial forum contacts given see one explanation decision dismiss prudential ground comity ante rather mandatory one jurisdiction wishes leave door open future cases hibbs namely retain federal jurisdiction constitutional claims simply believe congress entrusted state judges act see kennedy dissenting legitimate approach important area law see assertion civil rights precedents require withstand scrutiny indeed true may civil rights cases federal jurisdiction necessary ensure fair forum litigate allegedly unconstitutional state tax scheme act permits federal courts retain jurisdiction ground plain speedy efficient remedy state hibbs remedy state apply act written see kennedy dissenting believe act forbids approach federal jurisdiction state tax issues adopted hibbs decide case way leaves door open even find doorstop accords rather upends settled principle judges presented multiple nonmerits grounds dismissal dismiss jurisdictional grounds first tension decision creates settled principle enough convince even share view tia proper course dismiss case lack jurisdiction hibbs construction act applies type true suit hibbs describes thus save case statute jurisdictional bar richard levin tax commissioner ohio petitioner commerce energy et al writ certiorari appeals sixth circuit june justice alito concurring judgment agree principles comity bar present action doubtful efforts distinguish hibbs winn whether today holding undermines hibbs foundations question left another day footnotes moving dismiss complaint commissioner urged inter alia ldcs parties necessary adjudication see fed rule civ proc ruling commissioner comity grounds district reach question whether ldcs indispensable parties app pet cert justice brennan cogently explained practical terms special reasons justifying policy federal noninterference state tax collection procedures mass assessment collection state taxes administration adjudication taxpayers disputes tax officials generally complex necessarily designed operate according established rules state tax agencies organized discharge responsibilities accordance state procedures federal declaratory relief available test state tax assessments state tax administration might thrown disarray taxpayers might escape ordinary procedural requirements imposed state law pendency federal suit collection revenue challenged law might obstructed consequent damage state budget perhaps shift state risk taxpayer insolvency moreover federal constitutional issues likely turn questions state tax law like issues state regulatory law properly heard state courts perez ledesma opinion concurring part dissenting part two features federal equity practice accounted courts willingness grant injunctive relief first held although equity jurisdiction lie exists adequate legal remedy legal remedy must one cognizable federal fair assessment brennan concurring judgment emphasis original second federal courts construing strictly requirement remedy available law adequate complete frequently concluded procedures provided state adequate ibid citation omitted later held act indeed proscribe suits declaratory relief thwart state tax collection california grace brethren church loving virginia virginia federal courts role safeguarding human rights see zwickler koota mcneese board ed community unit school dist see harper virginia dept taxation mckesson division alcoholic beverages tobacco dept business regulation davis michigan dept treasury american trucking scheiner tyler pipe industries washington state dept revenue bacchus imports dias exxon eagerton louis liggett lee state courts also greater leeway avoid constitutional holdings adopting narrowing constructions might obviate constitutional problem intelligently mediate federal constitutional concerns state interests moore sims substantial federal question course reviewed case comes hierarchy state courts mcneese see general motors tracy determining time ims compete ldcs ohio residential captive market ims ldcs similarly situated rejecting industrial im customer dormant commerce clause equal protection challenges ldcs exemption sales use taxes previous language restricting district courts jurisdiction removed revision title compare ed stat others continued regard act jurisdictional see post thomas concurring judgment respondents note nce district grants minimal relief requested disallow exemptions ohio general assembly balance interests determine best recast tax laws within constitutional restraints brief respondents legislature may convened spot blunt interim relief respondents ask district decree may immediately derange operations government thereby cause serious detriment public dows chicago wall refund suit taxpayer mechanism open plaintiffs hibbs financially disinterested third parties therefore improperly bypass state procedure respondents however asserted federal rights seeking reduction tax bill ohio refund suit district appeals concluded decision hibbs placed controversy outside tia domain conclusion note bears reassessment light opinion discussion significant differences hibbs case