TBBR Statement on TICKET Act (HR 3950) Markup

Washington, D.C. – The United States House Innovation, Data, And Commerce Subcommittee today approved an amended version of HR 3950. The Transparency in Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act (“TICKET Act”). This bipartisan bill would require live event ticketing companies to disclose the full price of a ticket at the time it is first displayed, not at the end of the check-out process. The bill would also take aim at the deceptive practice known as speculative ticketing — where a fan thinks they bought a ticket, but instead bought a promise to procure a ticket.

In response, the Ticket Buyer Bill of Rights Coalition issued the following statement:

“With an all-of-government effort underway to increase transparency around fees and the real price of goods, the bipartisan TICKET Act continues to advance upfront, all-in pricing of live event tickets, which soon could become a welcome reality for the many millions of consumers who buy tickets every year. The TICKET Act also requires clear and conspicuous disclosure of tickets offered speculatively, where the seller doesn’t yet have possession of the tickets, which will help reduce the risk that fans end up without the tickets they expected. 

The live event ticketing system needs to be cured of deep flaws that result in consumers being abused before tickets go on sale, while they are for sale, and through the moment they are scanned for entry. This is why earlier this year, our coalition also endorsed the BOSS and SWIFT Act, comprehensive bicameral legislation that in addition to the provisions included in the TICKET Act, will go further in protecting consumers while holding all industry players – artists, teams, promoters, venues and ticket sellers – more accountable and to an improved standard of professional conduct.

We applaud Chairman Bilirakis and Ranking Member Schakowsky for their leadership and standing up for fans during this process. We look forward to continuing to partner with them to ensure a more fair ticket marketplace for fans. We also look forward to working with Ranking Member Pallone, Representative Castor, and Representative Blunt Rochester on their amendments on refund requirements, fan data privacy, and deceptive URLs.”