Virginia Senate Bill SB1249

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/23
• Refer: 1/10/23
• Report Pass: 1/30/23
• Engrossed: 2/2/23
• Refer: 2/9/23
• Report Pass: 2/14/23
• Enrolled: 2/22/23
• Chaptered: 3/23/23
• Passed: 3/23/23

Caption

Ticket resale; deceptive trade practices prohibited, definitions.

Impact

The law impacts the existing consumer protection statutes within the Commonwealth of Virginia, enhancing regulations against deceptive practices in ticket sales. Specifically, it amends and reenacts sections of the Code of Virginia related to prohibited practices. By regulating how tickets can be marketed and sold, the bill aims to prevent misleading representations that may misguide consumers regarding the value or legitimacy of tickets. This legislative measure strengthens the level of regulation in the consumer market, particularly in the entertainment sector, impacting how ticket resale transactions are conducted in the state.

Summary

SB1249 addresses the issue of deceptive practices in ticket resale and outlines specific prohibitions for internet ticketing platforms and resellers. The bill seeks to protect consumers from misleading practices that could arise during the resale of tickets for events. It establishes clear guidelines that any operator or reseller must adhere to, which includes obtaining consent before using trademarked materials belonging to the event's primary ticket provider and ensuring that any advertised offers are legitimate and transparent.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB1249 appears to be supportive, particularly among consumer advocacy groups who view the bill as a necessary step toward ensuring fair practices in the ticketing market. Legislators seem to largely agree on the benefits of consumer protection and the need to regulate deceptive practices. While there may be some industry pushback from ticket resellers and platforms concerned about the implications of increased regulation, the overwhelming sentiment appears to lean towards enhancing consumer rights and addressing fraudulent practices in the resale market.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB1249 may arise from the complexities of enforcing the new regulations on internet ticketing platforms and the definition of what constitutes misleading or deceptive conduct. There may be concerns from resale platforms about the practicality of compliance and the potential for unintended consequences such as increased costs for consumers. Additionally, some may argue that the implementation of such regulations could deter new entrants into the ticket resale market, thereby impacting competition.