To direct the Federal Trade Commission to conduct a study on certain concession pricing practices, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 6859, also known as the HOTDOG Act, directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct a study on concession pricing practices at sports venues and other covered venues that receive public subsidies. The study will examine the prices of food and drink items, compare them to prices in surrounding communities, and analyze pricing practices such as dynamic pricing and service fees. The FTC is then required to submit a report to Congress with its findings and recommendations for legislative, regulatory, and industry action to improve affordability and transparency.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to provide greater transparency and potentially reduce the cost of concessions at venues that receive public funding. If the FTC's study reveals unfair pricing practices, it could lead to legislative or regulatory changes that benefit consumers. This could result in more affordable options at sporting events and concerts.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in concession pricing at publicly subsidized venues.
- Potential reduction in concession prices for consumers.
- Identification of unfair pricing practices such as dynamic pricing and service fees.
- Recommendations for legislative and regulatory action to improve affordability.
- Greater affordability for families attending events at covered venues.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- The study may not lead to significant changes in pricing practices.
- The definition of 'covered venue' may be too narrow, excluding some venues with high concession prices.
- The 90-day timeframe for the study may be insufficient for a comprehensive analysis.
- The focus on venues receiving public subsidies may overlook pricing issues at privately funded venues.
- The act relies on the FTC's recommendations, which may not be fully implemented by Congress.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it seeks to ensure fair pricing for consumers at venues that receive public funding. Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) provides a basis for directing the FTC to conduct this study, as many of the covered venues are involved in interstate commerce through professional sports and music concerts. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).