Consumer Protection in Event Ticket Sales

The act amends consumer protection laws regarding ticket sales and resales for events. The act requires operators and resellers to guarantee refunds to purchasers of tickets under certain circumstances; prohibits an operator from denying an individual access or revoking an individual's valid ticket to an event because the individual's ticket was bought through a reseller; and clarifies that an operator may revoke or restrict tickets for reasons relating to a violation of venue policies that are available in writing, for safety of patrons, or to address fraud or misconduct.

The act establishes that it is a deceptive trade practice when, in the course of a person's business, vocation, or occupation, the person:

• Uses an internet domain name or subdomain name in an operator or reseller's URL if the domain name or subdomain name used contains the name of the place of entertainment, name of the event, name of individual or entity scheduled to perform at the event, or a name that is substantially similar to those names without prior written authorization;
• Uses, without prior written authorization, an internet website to display a text, image, graphic, design, or internet address that is substantially similar to an operator's internet website that could mislead a potential purchaser;
• Sells a ticket to an event without disclosing the total cost of the ticket, including the cost of any service charge or other fees that must be paid, or displays service charges and fees less prominently than the total price of the ticket;
• Makes a false or misleading disclosure of subtotals, fees, charges, or any other component of the total ticket price; or
• Increases the price of a ticket after the first time the price is displayed to the purchaser, with certain exceptions.

EFFECTIVE August 7, 2024
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)