California Ticketing Legislation: Addressing Ticket Affordability and Market Regulation
California is considering new legislation that could impact the ticketing industry. Assemblymember Matt Haney introduced the California Fans First Act, which aims to limit the resale prices of tickets to no more than 10% above face value. The bill, known as AB 1720, is designed to make tickets more affordable for fans and would only apply to shows in California, excluding sporting events.
Another bill, AB 1349, is also under review in the California Senate. This bill targets speculative ticket sales and would require sellers to possess event tickets before listing them for sale. The proposed legislation would increase the maximum civil penalty for violations from $2,500 to $10,000. If both AB 1720 and 1349 pass, they are expected to work together to regulate the state's resale ticketing market effectively.
The rising demand for tickets has led to high prices in the secondary resale market, making it challenging for fans to access tickets at face value. Ticketmaster and Live Nation, major players in the ticketing industry, have faced criticism for their practices. Live Nation supports the California Fans First Act, acknowledging the need to address predatory resale sites in the live music industry.
Ticketing regulations are not unique to California, as other states and countries are also considering similar measures. Maine has already passed a resale cap, allowing tickets to be sold at 110% of their original price. Critics of the legislation argue that it unfairly targets the resale market and fails to address the larger issue of monopolistic practices by companies like Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
Despite the debate surrounding ticketing legislation, the introduction of bills like AB 1720 and AB 1349 reflects a growing concern over ticket affordability and market regulation. The outcome of these legislative efforts could have a significant impact on the ticketing industry in California and beyond.