Concord — Lawmakers in tax-free New Hampshire convened a special session on Wednesday in response to a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on online shopping. But after the House thwarted a bill to deter other states from collecting sales tax in New Hampshire, the message was more “back to the drawing board” than “back off.”

The June 21 ruling that states can require online retailers to collect sales tax on purchases by customers in states where they don’t have a physical presence was a victory for states losing billions of dollars in revenue every year. But it was a potential blow to New Hampshire, which prides itself on having neither a sales nor income tax.

Republican Gov. Chris Sununu called for the special session last month, saying lawmakers should act quickly to warn other states they’d face a fight if they try to turn New Hampshire businesses into tax collectors. But that didn’t happen on Wednesday.

A bipartisan task force drafted a bill that would require states and other taxing jurisdictions to register with the Attorney General’s Office, pay fees and prove compliance with state laws and the Constitution before collecting taxes. The Senate passed it, 24-0, but the House gutted it, leaving in place only a commission to study ways to protect the state’s tax advantage. The Senate refused to concur, and members said they’d be back soon with new legislation.

The House voted 164-151 for the gutted bill. It was backed by 85 of the 139 Democrats, 78 of the 175 Republicans and one Libertarian.