Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act or the TICKET ActThis bill requires ticket sellers (including sellers on the secondary market) for concerts, performances, sporting events, and similar activities to clearly and prominently disclose the total ticket price for the event at the time the ticket is first displayed to an individual (and anytime thereafter during the purchasing process). Prior to completing a purchase, ticket sellers also must provide an itemized list of the base ticket price and each fee (e.g., service fee, processing fee, or other charge). The total ticket price must also be disclosed in any advertisement, marketing, or price list.Additionally, a ticket seller, secondary market seller, or ticket exchange that does not have actual or constructive possession of an event ticket is prohibited from selling or advertising a ticket for the event. However, a secondary market seller or exchange may sell or advertise a service to obtain an event ticket for an individual if the seller or exchange (1) does not market the service as an event ticket, (2) maintains a clear separation between the provided service and the event tickets throughout the entire purchasing process, and (3) clearly discloses that the service is not an event ticket.The bill establishes additional disclosure requirements for ticket sellers, secondary market sellers, and ticket exchanges, and requires such entities to issue a refund for the total ticket price if an event is canceled or postponed.The Federal Trade Commission must enforce these requirements.
The implications of HB 1402 on state laws are significant as it standardizes requirements for ticket sellers at both primary and secondary market levels. With this bill in place, sellers will be required to comply with federal guidelines regarding ticket disclosures, which may affect how ticket transactions are conducted across different states. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission will be entrusted with the enforcement of this act, addressing potential unfair or deceptive practices in ticket selling, which enhances consumer protection in an often opaque marketplace.
House Bill 1402, known as the Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act or the TICKET Act, mandates that ticket sellers provide comprehensive information regarding ticket prices and associated fees to consumers. Specifically, it prohibits the sale of event tickets unless the total price and itemized fees are clearly displayed during the purchasing process. The intent of this legislation is to promote transparency in the ticketing process, enabling consumers to make informed purchasing decisions without hidden fees impacting their final costs.
The sentiment surrounding HB 1402 appears largely positive among consumer advocacy groups, who view it as a necessary step toward accountability in the ticketing industry. Proponents argue that increased transparency could mitigate the prevalence of inflated ticket prices and hidden fees, thus protecting everyday consumers. However, there are concerns from some sellers that these regulations might complicate the ticket selling process, especially for smaller businesses or individual sellers in the secondary market who may lack the resources to adhere to such stringent requirements.
Notable points of contention arose during discussions on the bill regarding the balance between consumer protection and the potential burden on ticket sellers, particularly in the secondary market. Critics argue that while transparency is crucial, the bill could inadvertently restrict competition by imposing heavy disclosure requirements on all ticket sellers. Furthermore, questions were raised about the feasibility of complying with the itemized disclosure requirements in a rapidly evolving digital ticketing environment, highlighting the challenge of enacting effective consumer protection without stifling innovation and access.