In an effort to enhance transparency in the entertainment industry, US Representatives Jan Schakowsky and Gus Bilirakis introduced the bipartisan TICKET Act in the US Congress last week (June 8).
The proposed legislation aims to mandate comprehensive fee disclosure for ticket purchases by requiring event ticket sellers to display the total ticket price, including all associated fees, in all forms of advertising and promotional materials.
The development follows closely on the heels of the introduction of the ‘Boss and Swift Act’ in Congress in late May, aimed at regulating the live events ticket market.
Representatives Bill Pascrell, Jr. and Frank Pallone, Jr. put forward the bill, which seeks to address issues such as hidden fees, on-sale transparency, buyer protections, speculative tickets, and deceptive websites.
The legislation draws inspiration from recent ticketing controversies involving Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift, both of whom experienced ticketing-related challenges during their respective tours.
Prior to the Boss and Swift Act, another ‘Taylor Swift bill’ was introduced in the state of Massachusetts, which also aims to bring transparency to ticket pricing and put an end to the controversial practice of dynamic pricing.
Most recently, Congresswoman Schakowsky said in a statement: “Fans are incredibly frustrated by how hard it has become to buy event tickets. With every ticketing debacle, from Beyoncé to Taylor Swift, and so many more, their frustration grows.”
“By introducing the bipartisan TICKET Act today, we are proud to be responding to the voices of so many fans to make this process easier and more transparent. We are looking forward to further engagement from stakeholders as we continue to advance this legislation for the benefit of fans and artists. Consumers deserve to be protected from fraudulent tickets, surprise costs, and excessive fees.”
The TICKET Act seeks to emulate the advertising guidelines currently in place for airline tickets. By ensuring that consumers have access to the full ticket price before making a purchase, the act aims to provide American buyers, whether for concerts, theater shows, or sporting events, with complete transparency throughout the ticketing process.
Studies from the New York Attorney General’s office and the Government Accountability Office reveal that fees can account for as much as 58% of the total ticket cost, Congresswoman Schakowsky noted.
Congressman Bilirakis said: “There is nothing more disappointing for an avid fan than being lured into the prospect of an affordable ticket to see his or her favorite sports team or band only to learn later in the check-out process that the final price tag is significantly higher.”
“There is nothing more disappointing for an avid fan than being lured into the prospect of an affordable ticket to see his or her favorite sports team or band only to learn later in the check-out process that the final price tag is significantly higher.”
Gus Bilirakis, US Rep. For Florida
“Our pro-consumer bill brings much needed transparency to the whole ticketing industry, and I’m committed to working towards reforms that protect consumers and provide certainty in the marketplace.”
Under the provisions of the TICKET Act, all event ticket sellers, including both primary and secondary market vendors, would be obligated to display the complete ticket price, covering all associated fees, in all forms of advertisements, marketing materials, and price lists; outline the total ticket price, showing a detailed breakdown of each fee and the base ticket price to consumers at the start of the transaction and prior to ticket selection; and notify consumers if a ticket available for purchase is considered speculative, indicating that the seller lacks actual or constructive possession of the ticket.
A bipartisan companion bill is also gaining traction in the US Senate, championed by US Senators Maria Cantwell and Ted Cruz.
Senator Cruz on June 8 said that the proposed TICKET Act in the US Senate has received the backing of fans and key ticket-industry entities and organizations like StubHub and the Coalition for Ticket Fairness.
He addressed President Biden’s focus on ‘junk fees’ as a solution to combat inflation, expressing skepticism regarding the effectiveness of this approach. He criticized the administration’s regulatory strategy, highlighting the need for evidence-based policies that equip consumers with clear information rather than implementing broad regulations that may harm Americans through rate regulation or price controls.
“Not all fees are ‘junk’ fees. Some fees actually serve an economic purpose,” the senator said.
“For example, most Americans understand that paying ‘add on’ fees for additional toppings on a pizza makes sense. If you want more product, you pay a little extra.
“And we know that credit card late fees or overdraft charges are meant to deter certain behavior that, if not kept in check, could cause some Americans to subsidize the behavior of others.”
Drawing attention to the ticketing industry, Senator Cruz cited personal experiences and the frustrations faced by consumers who encounter unexpected fees during the ticket buying process.
“Similar to how airlines have to advertise the full ticket price upfront, the TICKET Act works the same way for tickets to concerts, sports, and large gatherings. The TICKET Act’s transparency requirements would promote competition for the benefit of all American ticket buyers.”
Ted Cruz, US Senator
“That’s why Chairwoman Cantwell and I have introduced the TICKET Act. Similar to how airlines have to advertise the full ticket price upfront, the TICKET Act works the same way for tickets to concerts, sports, and large gatherings. The TICKET Act’s transparency requirements would promote competition for the benefit of all American ticket buyers.
“Rather than resorting to one-size-fits-all government price regulations, I believe the TICKET Act is a reasonable, bipartisan response that identifies a known problem and provides a targeted solution that would benefit all Americans,” Senator Cruz added.
News of the TICKET Act and related initiatives signifies a growing push from lawmakers and industry insiders to introduce more regulation into the ticketing industry.
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