An Act Concerning The Sale Of Entertainment Event Tickets On The Secondary Market.
The law, set to take effect on January 1, 2018, impacts how entertainment event tickets can be sold and resold, ensuring that ticket holders maintain the right to transfer their tickets freely. This includes an obligation for ticket sellers to provide clear disclosures regarding any limitations on ticket transfers. It is noteworthy that the bill excludes certain categories from its rules, such as tickets sold to students at public colleges or institutions and smaller venues that opt out of compliance via notification to the Consumer Protection Commissioner.
House Bill 07114, titled 'An Act Concerning The Sale Of Entertainment Event Tickets On The Secondary Market', is aimed at regulating the sales of entertainment event tickets, particularly focusing on the secondary market. The bill mandates that any ticketing sales system must provide purchasers with an option to buy tickets that can be transferred without additional fees and without the consent of the seller. This addresses common concerns about restrictions imposed by ticket sellers on the resale of purchased tickets, particularly in the context of entertainment events such as concerts and sporting games.
The sentiment around HB 07114 has been largely positive among consumers and advocates for consumer rights. Supporters argue that the bill empowers ticket buyers by enhancing their rights and promoting transparency in the ticketing process. This is seen as a victory against exploitative practices commonly associated with ticket sales, particularly in the rapidly escalating secondary market. However, there is potential for contention between consumers and ticketing companies who may see this as an infringement on their pricing strategies.
A notable point of contention may arise regarding the balance between consumer rights and the operational practices of ticketing companies. The bill could disrupt established practices where companies limited transferability to control pricing and availability of tickets. Concerns have been raised about the implications for smaller venues that may struggle with the burden of the new regulations, especially if they are unable to comply with the requirements outlined in the bill. As the secondary market continues to grow, this legislation could set a precedent for other states looking to regulate ticket sales in similar ways.