In a move aimed at bolstering consumer protections in the ticketing industry, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Transparency in Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act, also known as the TICKET Act, on Wednesday. The bipartisan legislation seeks to enhance price transparency and curb 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 mandated to provide buyers with comprehensive information regarding ticket costs, including all associated fees. Additionally, sellers must disclose whether the tickets being sold are speculative in nature, ensuring greater transparency in ticket transactions.
The bill also targets deceptive websites used by secondary sellers and mandates refunds for canceled events, further safeguarding consumer interests. With its passage in the House, the TICKET Act now moves forward to the Senate for consideration.
The TICKET Act is part of a broader legislative effort to address longstanding consumer discontent within the ticketing industry. Similar measures, including a Senate counterpart bearing the same name and the Fans First Act, have garnered bipartisan support for their focus on enhancing cost transparency and preventing unfair ticket reselling practices.
Originally introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) in June 2023, the TICKET Act has enjoyed bipartisan backing throughout its legislative journey. Lawmakers, including Reps. Bilirakis, Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), have lauded the bill’s passage as a victory for consumers.
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, the lawmakers underscored the importance of restoring fairness and transparency to the ticket marketplace, expressing optimism for the TICKET Act’s prospects in the Senate.
The TICKET Act has received accolades from ticket advocacy groups and consumer advocates alike. Dana McLean, executive director for the Coalition for Ticket Fairness (CTF), praised the legislation for its potential to empower consumers and improve their ticket-buying experience.
Moreover, recent state-level initiatives, such as Maryland’s ban on speculative tickets and Minnesota’s fee disclosure requirement, have complemented federal efforts to enhance consumer protections in the ticketing industry.
As the TICKET Act advances to the Senate, stakeholders remain hopeful that Congress will seize the opportunity to enact meaningful reforms that prioritize consumer rights and promote fairness in ticket transactions.
