Us Congress House Bill HB1402

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/25
• Refer: 2/18/25
• Report Pass: 4/8/25
• Engrossed: 4/30/25

Caption

TICKET Act Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act

Impact

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.

Summary

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.

Sentiment

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.

Contention

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.

Congress_id

119-HR-1402

Policy_area

Commerce

Introduced_date

2025-02-18