Professions and businesses; ticket brokers; remove an exception permitting certain resale restrictions
Impact
Should HB398 pass, it will lead to significant changes in how ticket resale operates within the state. The removal of the exceptions would impose stricter regulations on ticket brokers, compelling them to adhere to standardized practices that align more closely with consumer protection principles. This may ultimately facilitate broader access to tickets at fair prices, but it could also increase operational complexities for ticket brokers who must adapt to these new regulations.
Summary
House Bill 398 aims to amend existing laws pertaining to ticket brokers by removing specific exceptions that permit certain resale restrictions. This legislation is intended to create a more equitable marketplace for consumers looking to buy tickets for various events, ensuring that resales are more transparent and accessible. Supporters of HB398 argue that the current exceptions allow for unfair practices that can negatively impact consumers, particularly when it comes to the pricing and availability of tickets in secondary markets.
Contention
Debate surrounding the bill has revealed notable points of contention. While proponents assert that the bill will protect consumers from exploitative resale practices, opponents express concerns regarding the potential negative impact on ticket brokers' livelihoods. Some argue that the restrictions could stifle the market dynamics that allow for price flexibility, suggesting that the free market should govern ticket resales without excessive regulation. Various industry groups are likely to mobilize against the bill, citing that it could hamper competition and discourage the availability of tickets for popular events.
Voting_history
As HB398 progresses through the legislative process, its voting history will be critical to monitor. Initial responses from key stakeholders in the entertainment and ticketing industries may affect the bill's reception among legislators. Those in favor of increased consumer protections might push for swift approval, while lobbyists representing ticket brokers could seek to delay or amend the bill before it comes to a vote.
Professions and businesses; issuance of licenses by endorsement for spouses of firefighters, healthcare providers, and law enforcement officers who relocate to Georgia; provide
Enacts into law components of legislation that relate to live event ticket sales; establishes an annual professional reseller renewal fee; requires professional ticket resellers to provide their New York state ticket reseller license number as a condition of utilizing an online resale marketplace to resell tickets (Part A); provides criteria for when a purchaser may obtain a full refund of the amount paid for a ticket (Part B); relates to resale requirements for tickets; requires that if a licensee or other ticket reseller doesn't have possession of the ticket, then they shall have a written contract to obtain the offered ticket at a certain price from a person or entity in possession of the ticket or from a person or entity who has a contractual right to obtain such ticket, and tickets to the event have been placed on sale by the venue or entity hosting the event or its authorized agent before the licensee or reseller can advertise the sale of the tickets (Part C); relates to unlawful charges in connection with tickets; permits reasonable charges for costs actually rendered or otherwise in connection to customer support, technological and software infrastructure, and actual operational costs for sales away from the box office; defines terms (Part D); relates to the availability of tickets for sale to the general public; defines a term (Part E); relates to the resale of tickets included in a subscription or season ticket package (Part F); extends the effectiveness of certain provisions relating to tickets to places of entertainment (Part G).
Enacts into law components of legislation that relate to live event ticket sales; establishes an annual professional reseller renewal fee; requires professional ticket resellers to provide their New York state ticket reseller license number as a condition of utilizing an online resale marketplace to resell tickets (Part A); provides criteria for when a purchaser may obtain a full refund of the amount paid for a ticket (Part B); relates to resale requirements for tickets; requires that if a licensee or other ticket reseller doesn't have possession of the ticket, then they shall have a written contract to obtain the offered ticket at a certain price from a person or entity in possession of the ticket or from a person or entity who has a contractual right to obtain such ticket, and tickets to the event have been placed on sale by the venue or entity hosting the event or its authorized agent before the licensee or reseller can advertise the sale of the tickets (Part C); relates to unlawful charges in connection with tickets; permits reasonable charges for costs actually rendered or otherwise in connection to customer support, technological and software infrastructure, and actual operational costs for sales away from the box office; defines terms (Part D); relates to the availability of tickets for sale to the general public; defines a term (Part E); relates to the resale of tickets included in a subscription or season ticket package (Part F); extends the effectiveness of certain provisions relating to tickets to places of entertainment (Part G).