New TICKET Act Passed by House Aims to End Hidden Fees
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Transparency in Charges for Key Events Ticketing (TICKET) Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at enhancing transparency in ticket pricing for concerts, sporting events and other live performances. Introduced by Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), the legislation mandates that ticket sellers disclose the full ticket price, including all fees, at the beginning of the transaction. This aims to eliminate hidden fees revealed only at checkout, ensuring consumers know the total cost upfront.
The TICKET Act also addresses speculative ticket sales, requiring sellers to clearly indicate if they do not have the ticket in their possession before the sale. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will enforce these new regulations. The bill has received widespread support from advocacy groups, including the Fix the Tix Coalition and the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA). Stephen Parker, NIVA's executive director, stated, "This bill will help to improve the ticket-buying experience for fans, protect artists' livelihoods and preserve independent venues across the nation."
The Senate is considering a related bill, the Fans First Act, introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Cornyn (R-TX), which seeks to provide even more comprehensive reforms. The TICKET Act now awaits a Senate vote, with no date set yet. Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, has also expressed support for the bill, stating that a national law benefits both fans and artists.
