In a bid to foster greater transparency in the ticketing industry, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Transparency in Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act, known as the TICKET Act, on Wednesday. The bill aims to provide consumers with clearer information regarding ticket costs and prevent deceptive practices by ticket sellers.
The TICKET Act just passed the House of Representatives!
We are so close to protecting consumers from fraudulent tickets, surprise costs, and excessive fees.
I'll continue to work with my colleagues to urge quick Senate passage so that we can send it to @POTUS' desk! https://t.co/AkexP3ClyX— Jan Schakowsky (@janschakowsky) May 15, 2024
Under the TICKET Act, sellers would be required to disclose the total cost of tickets, including any additional fees, to buyers. Moreover, they must specify whether the tickets they are selling are speculative, meaning they do not currently possess them. Additionally, the legislation prohibits deceptive websites used by secondary sellers and mandates refunds for canceled events.
The TICKET Act represents a bipartisan effort to address longstanding consumer grievances within the ticketing industry. It joins similar legislative initiatives, including a Senate counterpart also named the TICKET Act and the Fans First Act, which seek to enhance cost transparency and prevent unfair ticket reselling practices.
The bill’s passage in the House marks a significant milestone in its legislative journey. Originally introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) in June 2023, the TICKET Act garnered broad bipartisan support, reflecting lawmakers’ commitment to safeguarding consumer interests.
After months of bipartisan work to fix our nation’s broken ticketing industry, my bill with @RepGusBilirakis, the TICKET Act, will be voted on this week!
Fans are frustrated by how hard it is to buy event tickets. This consensus bill makes the ticketing process easier for all. pic.twitter.com/otWlgtmNsg
— Jan Schakowsky (@janschakowsky) May 14, 2024
In a joint statement, Reps. Bilirakis, Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ) hailed the passage of the TICKET Act as a victory for consumers. They emphasized the importance of restoring fairness and transparency to the ticket marketplace, expressing optimism for its swift approval in the Senate.
The TICKET Act has also garnered praise from ticket advocacy groups and consumer advocates. Dana McLean, executive director for the Coalition for Ticket Fairness (CTF), commended the legislation for leveling the playing field and providing fans with vital information during the ticket-buying process.
Moreover, recent state-level initiatives, such as Maryland’s ban on speculative tickets and Minnesota’s fee disclosure requirement, have further bolstered consumer protections in the ticketing industry. Advocates are now calling on Congress to build on the TICKET Act’s momentum and enact comprehensive ticketing reform legislation.
Artists and industry stakeholders have also thrown their support behind efforts to enhance ticket price transparency. Notable figures, including Billie Eilish, Green Day, and Lorde, have endorsed legislative measures like the Fans First Act, urging lawmakers to combat predatory ticket reselling practices.
As the TICKET Act advances to the Senate, stakeholders remain hopeful that Congress will take decisive action to uphold consumer rights and promote fairness in the ticketing marketplace.
