Tennessee Senate Bill SB0035

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 47, relative to speculative tickets.

Impact

The implementation of SB0035 will have a significant impact on the operations of third-party ticket resellers in Tennessee. By prohibiting the sale of speculative tickets, the law aims to establish clearer guidelines on ticket resale practices. The division of consumer affairs in the office of the attorney general will be tasked with enforcing these new provisions, with penalties outlined for non-compliance. Each instance of violation could lead to fines of up to $5,000, which reinforces the seriousness of the bill.

Summary

Senate Bill 0035 aims to amend the Tennessee Code regarding speculative tickets, which pertains to the sale or advertisement of tickets not physically possessed by resellers. The bill defines speculative tickets explicitly, outlining that they should either be in the physical possession of the reseller or under contract for transfer. This legislation seeks to curb potential fraud and protect consumers from paying for tickets they cannot receive, enhancing the transparency and fairness of ticket transactions in the state.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB0035 appears to be supportive among consumer advocacy groups, who view it as a necessary step in protecting consumers in the ticket resale market from deceptive practices. However, there may be concerns from resellers who argue that such regulations could limit their business opportunities and affect how tickets are marketed. The debate encapsulates a broader discussion about consumer rights versus business freedoms.

Contention

A key point of contention regarding SB0035 is the enforcement mechanism. While many agree on the necessity for regulation in the ticket resale industry, concerns have been raised about the practicality of monitoring compliance. Critics point out that the bill imposes significant penalties without sufficient clarity on enforcement processes, which might be burdensome for smaller resellers. There’s also discussion on the implications of the law for online platforms that facilitate ticket transactions, and how such regulations could affect their business models.