H.R.1402 - Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act; TICKET Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1402, the TICKET Act, aims to increase transparency and consumer protection in the event ticketing market. It mandates full price disclosure, bans speculative ticketing, requires clear resale disclosures, and sets refund requirements for canceled or postponed events. The bill also directs the FTC to report on enforcement of the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016.
Expected Effects
The TICKET Act will likely lead to more informed purchasing decisions for consumers buying event tickets. It will also likely reduce deceptive practices in the secondary ticket market. Consumers will have better access to refunds for canceled or postponed events.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in ticket pricing, allowing consumers to see the full cost upfront.
- Protection against speculative ticketing, reducing the risk of purchasing tickets that don't exist.
- Clearer disclosures regarding resale status and affiliations, preventing misleading marketing.
- Guaranteed refunds for canceled events, providing financial security for ticket holders.
- FTC report on BOTS Act enforcement, potentially leading to stronger action against illegal bot activity.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased compliance costs for ticket issuers and exchanges, which could be passed on to consumers.
- Possible limitations on the secondary market, reducing options for buying and selling tickets.
- The definition of 'cause beyond reasonable control' for event cancellations could be subject to interpretation and disputes.
- The 6-month postponement window for mandatory refunds may not be suitable for all events or circumstances.
- Enforcement relies on the FTC, and its effectiveness will depend on the agency's resources and priorities.
Constitutional Alignment
The TICKET Act primarily regulates commercial activities related to event ticketing. This falls under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. The Act's provisions regarding disclosures and consumer protection align with the government's role in ensuring fair trade practices. The First Amendment implications are minimal, as the Act focuses on commercial speech and aims to prevent deceptive advertising rather than restrict protected expression.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).