The US House of Representatives has passed the TICKET Act in an effort to increase transparency in the ticketing industry. The bill calls for a complete overhaul of the industry, with ticket sellers required to clearly and prominently disclose fees at the start of the transaction. The total price, including an itemised list of added fees, should also be presented to the buyer before they select a ticket. Any advertisements, marketing materials, or price lists must include the total ticket price.
The act has received bipartisan support, passing with 338 votes to 24. If it becomes an official law, it will require all sellers, including those on the secondary market, to disclose fees upfront for concerts, performances, sporting events, and similar activities. Those attempting to sell non-physical tickets must also disclose that the ticket is not in their possession. The TICKET Act was brought in by Democratic representative Jan Schakowsky and Republican representative Gus Bilirakis in June 2023 following calls for transparency around ticket sales.
The FIX the Tix Coalition and the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), two independent groups advocating for a fairer ticketing industry, have expressed support for the TICKET Act. However, the bill has yet to receive approval from the Senate before reaching President Joe Biden, who may sign it off.
The US ticketing industry has come under scrutiny in recent years due to the proliferation of hidden fees and surcharges, making it difficult for customers to know the full cost of a ticket upfront. If the TICKET Act becomes law, it could pave the way for more transparency in the industry, ultimately benefiting consumers
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