MD
Maryland Senate Bill SB539

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland Senate Bill SB539 Compare Versions

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1- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 456
21
3-– 1 –
4-Chapter 456
5-(Senate Bill 539)
62
7-AN ACT concerning
3+EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
4+ [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
5+ Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
6+ Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
7+amendment.
8+ *sb0539*
89
9-Commercial Law – Consumer Protection – Sale and Resale of Tickets
10+SENATE BILL 539
11+I3 4lr2346
12+ CF HB 701
13+By: Senators Gile, Feldman, Beidle, and Ellis
14+Introduced and read first time: January 24, 2024
15+Assigned to: Finance
16+Committee Report: Favorable with amendments
17+Senate action: Adopted with floor amendments
18+Read second time: February 29, 2024
1019
11-FOR the purpose of requiring the listing for a ticket and each step of a transaction to
12-purchase a ticket to disclose certain information; requiring a reseller to provide the
13-contact information of the resale ticket purchaser to the ticket issuer for a certain
14-purpose; prohibiting a reseller from selling or offering to sell a ticket for more than
15-a certain price; limiting the fee that a secondary ticket exchange may charge for the
16-service of providing a marketplace for the resale of a ticket; prohibiting a person from
17-restricting the transfer or resale of a ticket that was made available to the general
18-public for purchase, subject to certain restrictions; repealing the exceptions to the
19-prohibition against a reseller selling or offering to sell speculative tickets; prohibiting
20-a secondary ticket exchange from providing a marketplace for the resale of a ticket
21-that violates this Act; requiring a ticket issuer, secondary ticket exchange, or reseller
22-to provide a refund under certain conditions; and generally relating to consumer
23-protection and the sale and resale of tickets.
20+CHAPTER ______
2421
25-BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
26- Article – Commercial Law
27-Section 13–310.1
28- Annotated Code of Maryland
29- (2013 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
22+AN ACT concerning 1
3023
31- SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
32-That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
24+Commercial Law – Consumer Protection – Sale and Resale of Tickets 2
3325
34-Article – Commercial Law
26+FOR the purpose of requiring the listing for a ticket and each step of a transaction to 3
27+purchase a ticket to disclose certain information; requiring a reseller to provide the 4
28+contact information of the resale ticket purchaser to the ticket issuer for a certain 5
29+purpose; prohibiting a reseller from selling or offering to sell a ticket for more than 6
30+a certain price; limiting the fee that a secondary ticket exchange may charge for the 7
31+service of providing a marketplace for the resale of a ticket; prohibiting a person from 8
32+restricting the transfer or resale of a ticket that was made available to the general 9
33+public for purchase, subject to certain restrictions; repealing the exceptions to the 10
34+prohibition against a reseller selling or offering to sell speculative tickets; prohibiting 11
35+a secondary ticket exchange from providing a marketplace for the resale of a ticket 12
36+that violates this Act; requiring a ticket issuer, secondary ticket exchange, or reseller 13
37+to provide a refund under certain conditions; and generally relating to consumer 14
38+protection and the sale and resale of tickets. 15
3539
36-13–310.1.
40+BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 16
41+ Article – Commercial Law 17
42+Section 13–310.1 18
43+ Annotated Code of Maryland 19
44+ (2013 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 20
3745
38- (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
46+ SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 21
47+That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 22
48+ 2 SENATE BILL 539
3949
40- (2) (i) “Resale” means the second or subsequent sale of a ticket.
4150
42- (ii) “Resale” includes a sale by any means, including in person, by
43-telephone, by mail, by e–mail, by facsimile, or through a website or other electronic means.
51+Article – Commercial Law 1
4452
45- (3) “Reseller” means a person [who offers a ticket for resale] ENGAGED IN
46-THE RESALE OF TICKETS .
47- Ch. 456 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
53+13–310.1. 2
4854
49-– 2 –
50- (4) “SECONDARY TICKET EXCH ANGE” MEANS AN ELECTRONIC
51-MARKETPLACE THAT ENA BLES CONSUMERS A PERSON TO SELL, PURCHASE, AND
52-RESELL TICKETS .
55+ (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. 3
5356
54- (5) (i) “Speculative ticket” means a ticket that is not in the actual or
55-constructive possession of a reseller at the time of sale, ADVERTISEMENT , OR LISTING.
57+ (2) (i) “Resale” means the second or subsequent sale of a ticket. 4
5658
57- (ii) “Speculative ticket” includes a ticket sold by a reseller that, at
58-the time of resale:
59+ (ii) “Resale” includes a sale by any means, including in person, by 5
60+telephone, by mail, by e–mail, by facsimile, or through a website or other electronic means. 6
5961
60- 1. Is not in the physical possession of the reseller;
62+ (3) “Reseller” means a person [who offers a ticket for resale] ENGAGED IN 7
63+THE RESALE OF TICKETS . 8
6164
62- 2. Is not owned by the reseller; or
65+ (4) “SECONDARY TICKET EXCH ANGE” MEANS AN ELECTRONIC 9
66+MARKETPLACE THAT ENA BLES CONSUMERS A PERSON TO SELL, PURCHASE, AND 10
67+RESELL TICKETS . 11
6368
64- 3. Is not under contract to be transferred to the reseller.
69+ (5) (i) “Speculative ticket” means a ticket that is not in the actual or 12
70+constructive possession of a reseller at the time of sale, ADVERTISEMENT , OR LISTING. 13
6571
66- [(5)] (6) “Ticket” means physical, electronic, or other evidence, that
67-grants the possessor of the evidence [permission] LICENSE to enter a place of
68-entertainment for one or more events at a specified date and time.
72+ (ii) “Speculative ticket” includes a ticket sold by a reseller that, at 14
73+the time of resale: 15
6974
70- (7) (I) “TICKET ISSUER” MEANS A PERSON THAT , DIRECTLY OR
71-INDIRECTLY, ISSUES INITIAL TICKE TS FOR AN ENTERTAINM ENT EVENT.
75+ 1. Is not in the physical possession of the reseller; 16
7276
73- (II) “TICKET ISSUER” INCLUDES:
77+ 2. Is not owned by the reseller; or 17
7478
75- 1. A MUSICIAN OR MUSICAL GROUP;
79+ 3. Is not under contract to be transferred to the reseller. 18
7680
77- 2. AN OPERATOR OF A VENUE;
81+ [(5)] (6) “Ticket” means physical, electronic, or other evidence, that 19
82+grants the possessor of the evidence [permission] LICENSE to enter a place of 20
83+entertainment for one or more events at a specified date and time. 21
7884
79- 3. A SPONSOR OR A PROMOTE R OF AN ENTERTAINMEN T
80-EVENT;
85+ (7) (I) “TICKET ISSUER” MEANS A PERSON THAT , DIRECTLY OR 22
86+INDIRECTLY, ISSUES INITIAL TICKE TS FOR AN ENTERTAINM ENT EVENT. 23
8187
82- 4. A SPORTS TEAM PARTICIP ATING IN AN
83-ENTERTAINMENT EVENT ;
88+ (II) “TICKET ISSUER” INCLUDES: 24
8489
85- 5. A SPORTS LEAGUE WHOSE TEAMS ARE
86-PARTICIPATING IN AN ENTERTAINMENT EVENT ;
90+ 1. A MUSICIAN OR MUSICAL GROUP; 25
8791
88- 6. A THEATER COMPANY ;
92+ 2. AN OPERATOR OF A VENU E; 26
8993
90- 7. A MARKETPLACE OPERATED FOR CONSUMERS TO
91-MAKE AN INITIAL PURC HASE OF TICKETS ; OR
92- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 456
94+ 3. A SPONSOR OR A PROMOTE R OF AN ENTERTAINMEN T 27
95+EVENT; 28
96+ SENATE BILL 539 3
9397
94-– 3 –
95- 8. AN AGENT OF ANY OF TH E PERSONS LISTED IN ITEMS
96-1 THROUGH 7 OF THIS SUBPARAGRAPH .
9798
98- (B) (1) THIS SUBSECTION APPLI ES ONLY TO SECONDARY TICKET
99-EXCHANGES , TICKET ISSUERS, AND RESELLERS.
99+ 4. A SPORTS TEAM PARTICIP ATING IN AN 1
100+ENTERTAINMENT EVENT ; 2
100101
101- (2) THE LISTING FOR A TIC KET AND EACH STEP OF A TRANSACTION
102-TO PURCHASE A TICKET SHALL:
102+ 5. A SPORTS LEAGUE WHOSE TEAMS ARE 3
103+PARTICIPATING IN AN ENTERTAINMENT EVENT; 4
103104
104- (I) CLEARLY AND CONSPICUOUSLY DI SCLOSE THE TOTAL
105-PRICE OF THE TICKET , INCLUDING ALL FEES A ND TAXES OTHER THAN SHIPPING
106-COSTS THAT ARE NOT D ETERMINABLE AT A STEP IN THE TRA NSACTION;
105+ 6. A THEATER COMPANY ; 5
107106
108- (II) PROVIDE AN ITEMIZED L ISTING OF ALL CHARGE S THAT
109-COMPRISE THE TOTAL P RICE OF THE TICKET , INCLUDING ALL FEES A ND TAXES; AND
107+ 7. A MARKETPLACE OPERATED FOR CONSUMERS TO 6
108+MAKE AN INITIAL PURC HASE OF TICKETS ; OR 7
110109
111- (III) IDENTIFY THE SEAT NUM BER AND ZONE OR SECT ION OF THE
112-TICKET, TO THE EXTENT APPLIC ABLE TO THE SEAT AND VENU E.
110+ 8. AN AGENT OF ANY OF TH E PERSONS LISTED IN ITEMS 8
111+1 THROUGH 7 OF THIS SUBPARAGRAPH . 9
113112
114- (3) (I) THE TOTAL PRICE OF A TICKET UNDER PARAGRA PH (2)(I)
115-OF THIS SUBSECTION M AY BE INCREASED IN A NONINITIAL STEP OF A TRANSACTION
116-BY THE AMOUNT OF REA SONABLE SHIPPING COS TS FOR PHYSICALLY DE LIVERED
117-TICKETS.
113+ (B) (1) THIS SUBSECTION APPLI ES ONLY TO SEC ONDARY TICKET 10
114+EXCHANGES , TICKET ISSUERS, AND RESELLERS . 11
118115
119- (II) THE SHIPPING COSTS ALLOWED UND ER SUBPARAGRAPH (I)
120-OF THIS PARAGRAPH MA Y VARY WITH THE PURC HASER’S LOCATION RELATIVE TO
121-THE SHIPMENT ’S LOCATION OF ORIGIN AND THE DELIVERY MET HOD SELECTED BY
122-THE PURCHASER .
116+ (2) THE LISTING FOR A TIC KET AND EACH STEP OF A TRANSACTION 12
117+TO PURCHASE A TICKET SHALL: 13
123118
124- (III) THE TOTAL PRICE OF TH E TICKET, INCLUDING ALL FEES ,
125-TAXES, AND SHIPPING COSTS , SHALL BE CLEARLY AND CONSPICUOUSLY DISCLO SED
126-PRIOR TO FINAL PURCH ASE OF THE TICKET .
119+ (I) CLEARLY AND CONSPICUOUSLY DI SCLOSE THE TOTAL 14
120+PRICE OF THE TICKET , INCLUDING ALL FEES A ND TAXES OTHER THAN SHIPPING 15
121+COSTS THAT ARE NOT D ETERMINABLE AT A STE P IN THE TRANSACTION ; 16
127122
128- (C) A RESELLER SHALL PROVI DE THE TICKET ISSUER WITH THE CONTACT
129-INFORMATION OF THE R ESALE TICKET PURCHAS ER TO ENABLE THE TIC KET ISSUER
130-TO NOTIFY THE RESALE TI CKET PURCHASER OF AN Y CHANGE IN THE EVEN T
131-CIRCUMSTANCES , SUCH AS AN EVENT CAN CELLATION OR RESCHED ULING.
123+ (II) PROVIDE AN ITEMIZED L ISTING OF ALL CHARGE S THAT 17
124+COMPRISE THE TOTAL P RICE OF THE TICKET , INCLUDING ALL FEES A ND TAXES; AND 18
132125
133- (D) (1) THIS SUBSECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO A FEE T HAT A SECONDARY
134-TICKET EXCHANGE MAY CHARGE FOR THE SERVI CE OF PROVIDING A MA RKETPLACE
135-FOR THE RESALE OF A TICKET.
126+ (III) IDENTIFY THE SEAT NUM BER AND ZONE OR SE CTION OF THE 19
127+TICKET, TO THE EXTENT APPLIC ABLE TO THE SEAT AND VENUE. 20
136128
137- (2) (I) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED UN DER SUBPARAGRAPH (II) OF THIS
138-PARAGRAPH , THE TOTAL PRICE AT W HICH A RESELLER MAY SELL OR OFFER TO SEL L Ch. 456 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
129+ (3) (I) THE TOTAL PRICE OF A TICKET UNDER PARAGRA PH (2)(I) 21
130+OF THIS SUBSECTION M AY BE INCREASED IN A NONINITIAL STEP OF A TRANSACTION 22
131+BY THE AMOUNT OF REA SONABLE SHIPPING COS TS FOR PHYS ICALLY DELIVERED 23
132+TICKETS. 24
139133
140-– 4 –
141-A TICKET MAY NOT EXC EED THE TOTAL PRICE OF THE INITIAL TICKE T, INCLUDING
142-ALL FEES AND TA XES IN CONNECTION WI TH THE INITIAL TICKE T.
134+ (II) THE SHIPPING COSTS AL LOWED UNDER SUBPARAG RAPH (I) 25
135+OF THIS PARAGRAPH MA Y VARY WITH THE PURC HASER’S LOCATION RELATIVE TO 26
136+THE SHIPMENT ’S LOCATION OF ORIGIN AND THE DELIVERY MET HOD SELECTED BY 27
137+THE PURCHASER . 28
143138
144- (II) IF INITIAL TICKETS WE RE PURCHASED FOR A S ERIES OF
145-EVENTS, SUCH AS SEASON TICKE TS FOR A SPORTS TEAM , THE TOTAL RESALE PRI CE
146-OF A TICKET FOR A SI NGLE EVENT MAY NOT E XCEED THE TOTAL PRIC E OF A
147-COMPARABLE TIC KET, INCLUDING ALL FEES A ND TAXES.
139+ (III) THE TOTAL PRICE OF THE T ICKET, INCLUDING ALL FEES , 29
140+TAXES, AND SHIPPING COSTS , SHALL BE CLEARLY AND CONSPICUOUSLY DISCLO SED 30
141+PRIOR TO FINAL PURCH ASE OF THE TICKET . 31
142+ 4 SENATE BILL 539
148143
149- (E) THE FEE THAT A SECOND ARY TICKET EXCHANGE MAY CHARGE FOR THE
150-SERVICE OF PROVIDING A MARKETPLACE FOR TH E RESALE OF A TICKET MAY NOT
151-EXCEED 10% OF THE TOTAL PRICE O F THE INITIAL TICKET .
152144
153- (F) SUBJECT TO REASONABLE RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY A TICKET
154-ISSUER, A PERSON MAY NOT PRO HIBIT OR RESTRICT TH E TRANSFER OR RESALE OF
155-A TICKET THAT WAS MA DE AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC FOR P URCHASE.
145+ (C) A RESELLER SHALL PROVI DE THE TICKET ISSUER WITH THE CONTACT 1
146+INFORMATION OF THE R ESALE TICKET PURCHASER TO ENABLE THE TICKET IS SUER 2
147+TO NOTIFY THE RESALE TICKET PURCHASER OF ANY CHANGE IN THE EV ENT 3
148+CIRCUMSTANCES , SUCH AS AN EVENT CAN CELLATION OR RESCHED ULING. 4
156149
157- [(b)] (G) (C) A reseller may not sell or offer to sell speculative tickets [unless the
158-reseller, clearly and conspicuously, discloses to a prospective purchaser at the outset of the
159-sales transaction:
150+ (D) (1) THIS SUBSECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO A FEE T HAT A SECONDARY 5
151+TICKET EXCHANGE M AY CHARGE FOR THE SE RVICE OF PROVIDING A MARKETPLACE 6
152+FOR THE RESALE OF A TICKET. 7
160153
161- (1) That the tickets are speculative tickets, and the reseller is not in
162-possession of the tickets;
154+ (2) (I) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED UN DER SUBPARAGRAPH (II) OF THIS 8
155+PARAGRAPH , THE TOTAL PRICE AT W HICH A RESELLER MAY SELL OR OFFER TO SEL L 9
156+A TICKET MAY NOT EXC EED THE TOTAL PRICE OF THE INITIAL TICKE T, INCLUDING 10
157+ALL FEES AND TAXES I N CONNECTION WITH TH E INITIAL TICKET. 11
163158
164- (2) That the reseller is making an offer to procure the tickets for the
165-prospective purchaser;
159+ (II) IF INITIAL TICKETS WE RE PURCHASED FOR A S ERIES OF 12
160+EVENTS, SUCH AS SEASON TICKE TS FOR A SPORTS TEAM , THE TOTAL RESALE PRI CE 13
161+OF A TICKET FOR A SI NGLE EVENT MA Y NOT EXCEED THE TOT AL PRICE OF A 14
162+COMPARABLE TICKET , INCLUDING ALL FEES A ND TAXES. 15
166163
167- (3) An approximate date on which the tickets will be delivered to the
168-purchaser;
164+ (E) THE FEE THAT A SECOND ARY TICKET EXCHANGE MAY CHARGE FOR THE 16
165+SERVICE OF PROVIDING A MARKETPLACE FOR TH E RESALE OF A TICKET MAY NOT 17
166+EXCEED 10% OF THE TOTAL PRICE O F THE INITIAL TICKET. 18
169167
170- (4) The name or a description of the event for which the tickets will permit
171-entry;
168+ (F) SUBJECT TO REASONABLE RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY A TICKET 19
169+ISSUER, A PERSON MAY NOT PRO HIBIT OR RESTRICT TH E TRANSFER OR RESALE OF 20
170+A TICKET THAT WAS MA DE AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC FOR P URCHASE. 21
172171
173- (5) The total number of tickets included in the transaction;
172+ [(b)] (G) (C) A reseller may not sell or offer to sell speculative tickets [unless the 22
173+reseller, clearly and conspicuously, discloses to a prospective purchaser at the outset of the 23
174+sales transaction: 24
174175
175- (6) The number of tickets for seats that are together;
176+ (1) That the tickets are speculative tickets, and the reseller is not in 25
177+possession of the tickets; 26
176178
177- (7) The zone or section number of the tickets, to the extent applicable to
178-the venue; and
179+ (2) That the reseller is making an offer to procure the tickets for the 27
180+prospective purchaser; 28
179181
180- (8) For reserved seat tickets:
182+ (3) An approximate date on which the tickets will be delivered to the 29
183+purchaser; 30
181184
182- (i) The seat numbers of the tickets; or
185+ (4) The name or a description of the event for which the tickets will permit 31
186+entry; 32
183187
184- (ii) If applicable, that the reseller cannot guarantee the specific seats
185-because the tickets are speculative tickets. WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 456
188+ (5) The total number of tickets included in the transaction; 33
189+ SENATE BILL 539 5
186190
187-– 5 –
188191
189- (c) (1) A reseller shall refund to a purchaser any consideration or deposit paid
190-for tickets sold under this section if the reseller fails to obtain the tickets:
192+ (6) The number of tickets for seats that are together; 1
191193
192- (i) Within 24 hours after the approximate date of delivery specified
193-in subsection (b)(2) of this section, but before the commencement of the event for which the
194-tickets were sold; or
194+ (7) The zone or section number of the tickets, to the extent applicable to 2
195+the venue; and 3
195196
196- (ii) In conformity with the disclosures required under this section.
197+ (8) For reserved seat tickets: 4
197198
198- (2) A reseller shall make a refund required under this subsection not later
199-than 10 days after the final day of the event for which the tickets were sold].
199+ (i) The seat numbers of the tickets; or 5
200200
201- (H) (D) A SECONDARY TICKET EXC HANGE MAY NOT PROVID E A
202-MARKETPLACE FOR THE SALE OR RESALE OF A TICKET T HAT VIOLATES THIS
203-SECTION.
201+ (ii) If applicable, that the reseller cannot guarantee the specific seats 6
202+because the tickets are speculative tickets. 7
204203
205- (E) A TICKET ISSUER, SECONDARY TICKET EXC HANGE, OR RESELLER WHO
206-DIRECTLY ENGAGES IN A SALES TRANSACTION WITH A PURCHASER FOR THE
207-PURCHASE OF A TICKET SHALL PROVIDE A THE PURCHASER WITH A FUL L REFUND
208-OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAID, INCLUDING THE PRICE OF THE TICKET AND AN Y FEES
209-AND TAXES, IF:
204+ (c) (1) A reseller shall refund to a purchaser any consideration or deposit paid 8
205+for tickets sold under this section if the reseller fails to obtain the tickets: 9
210206
211- (1) THE TICKET PURCHASED IS COUNTERFEIT ;
207+ (i) Within 24 hours after the approximate date of delivery specified 10
208+in subsection (b)(2) of this section, but before the commencement of the event for which the 11
209+tickets were sold; or 12
212210
213- (2) THE EVENT FOR WHICH T HE TICKET IS PURCHAS ED IS CANCELED;
214-OR
211+ (ii) In conformity with the disclosures required under this section. 13
215212
216- (3) THE TICKET FAILS TO C ONFORM TO THE DESCRI PTION AS
217-ADVERTISED OR REPRES ENTED TO THE PURCHAS ER BY THE SELLER .
213+ (2) A reseller shall make a refund required under this subsection not later 14
214+than 10 days after the final day of the event for which the tickets were sold]. 15
218215
219- SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That:
216+ (H) (D) A SECONDARY TICKET EXC HANGE MAY NOT PROVID E A 16
217+MARKETPLACE FOR THE SALE OR RESALE OF A TICKET T HAT VIOLATES THIS 17
218+SECTION. 18
220219
221- (a) The Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General, with
222-input from relevant stakeholders, shall conduct a review of the event ticket market in the
223-State.
220+ (E) A TICKET ISSUER, SECONDARY TICKET EXC HANGE, OR RESELLER WHO 19
221+DIRECTLY ENGAGES IN A SALES TRANSACTION WITH A PURCHASER FOR THE 20
222+PURCHASE OF A TICKET SHALL PROVIDE A THE PURCHASER WITH A FUL L REFUND 21
223+OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAID, INCLUDING THE PRICE OF THE TICKET AND AN Y FEES 22
224+AND TAXES, IF: 23
224225
225- (b) The review required under subsection (a) of this section shall include, to the
226-extent feasible, an assessment of:
226+ (1) THE TICKET PURCHASED IS COUNTERFEIT ; 24
227227
228- (1) how event tickets are obtained for resale by professional resellers and
229-brokers;
230- Ch. 456 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
228+ (2) THE EVENT FOR WHICH T HE TICKET IS PURCHAS ED IS CANCELED; 25
229+OR 26
231230
232-– 6 –
233- (2) the cost of event tickets offered to and purchased by consumers on the
234-resale market when compared with the face values and total event ticket prices for tickets
235-offered to and purchased by consumers in the primary event ticket market;
231+ (3) THE TICKET FAILS TO C ONFORM TO THE DESCRI PTION AS 27
232+ADVERTISED OR REPRES ENTED TO THE PURCHAS ER BY THE SELLER . 28
236233
237- (3) factors contributing to the cost of event tickets sold and offered for sale
238-on the resale market;
234+ SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That: 29
235+ 6 SENATE BILL 539
239236
240- (4) problems consumers are encountering relating to the purchase of event
241-tickets sold and offered for sale on the resale market, including:
242237
243- (i) the fraudulent sale of event tickets;
238+ (a) The Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General, with 1
239+input from relevant stakeholders, shall conduct a review of the event ticket market in the 2
240+State. 3
244241
245- (ii) the sale of counterfeit tickets;
242+ (b) The review required under subsection (a) of this section shall include, to the 4
243+extent feasible, an assessment of: 5
246244
247- (iii) the denial of entry to events for which tickets were purchased by
248-consumers; and
245+ (1) how event tickets are obtained for resale by professional resellers and 6
246+brokers; 7
249247
250- (iv) the use of bots to purchase for resale tickets for in–demand
251-events;
248+ (2) the cost of event tickets offered to and purchased by consumers on the 8
249+resale market when compared with the face values and total event ticket prices for tickets 9
250+offered to and purchased by consumers in the primary event ticket market; 10
252251
253- (5) the impact of any measures taken in other states to protect consumers
254-in the event ticket market, such as through resale price caps, limits on fees and charges by
255-secondary market resale platforms, requiring the transferability of event tickets, and
256-restrictions on the use of bots to purchase tickets for resale; and
252+ (3) factors contributing to the cost of event tickets sold and offered for sale 11
253+on the resale market; 12
257254
258- (6) any other matters identified as relevant to the protection of consumers
259-in the event ticket market.
255+ (4) problems consumers are encountering relating to the purchase of event 13
256+tickets sold and offered for sale on the resale market, including: 14
260257
261- (c) On or before December 1, 2024, the Consumer Protection Division of the Office
262-of the Attorney General shall submit a report with findings and recommendations from the
263-review required under this section to the Senate Finance Committee and the House
264-Economic Matters Committee, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government
265-Article.
258+ (i) the fraudulent sale of event tickets; 15
266259
267- SECTION 2. 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
268-October July 1, 2024.
260+ (ii) the sale of counterfeit tickets; 16
269261
270-Approved by the Governor, May 9, 2024.
262+ (iii) the denial of entry to events for which tickets were purchased by 17
263+consumers; and 18
264+
265+ (iv) the use of bots to purchase for resale tickets for in–demand 19
266+events; 20
267+
268+ (5) the impact of any measures taken in other states to protect consumers 21
269+in the event ticket market, such as through resale price caps, limits on fees and charges by 22
270+secondary market resale platforms, requiring the transferability of event tickets, and 23
271+restrictions on the use of bots to purchase tickets for resale; and 24
272+
273+ (6) any other matters identified as relevant to the protection of consumers 25
274+in the event ticket market. 26
275+
276+ (c) On or before December 1, 2024, the Consumer Protection Division of the Office 27
277+of the Attorney General shall submit a report with findings and recommendations from the 28
278+review required under this section to the Senate Finance Committee and the House 29
279+Economic Matters Committee, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government 30
280+Article. 31
281+
282+ SECTION 2. 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect 32
283+October July 1, 2024. 33
284+ SENATE BILL 539 7
285+
286+
287+
288+
289+
290+Approved:
291+________________________________________________________________________________
292+ Governor.
293+________________________________________________________________________________
294+ President of the Senate.
295+________________________________________________________________________________
296+ Speaker of the House of Delegates.