Pasco Reporter

In a significant development, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce has unanimously passed the "Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act" or "TICKET Act" with a vote of 45-0. This bipartisan achievement has been hailed by Committee Chair Rodgers and Ranking Member Pallone, along with Subcommittee Chair Bilirakis and Subcommittee Ranking Member Schakowsky.

The TICKET Act, as amended with the "STOP Act" led by Rep. Kelly Armstrong, aims to revolutionize the experience of purchasing event tickets online. By putting an end to practices that have frustrated ticket buyers in the past, the act will restore fairness and transparency to the ticketing marketplace.

Expressing their gratitude to their colleagues both on and off the Committee, the leaders highlighted the collaborative efforts that have culminated in this milestone. They emphasized the months and years of hard work by Members on both sides of the aisle, further highlighting the Committee's commitment to leading the way in bringing this solution to the House floor.

The TICKET Act combines two bills, namely the TICKET Act (H.R. 3950) and the Speculative Ticketing Oversight and Prohibition Act (STOP Act) (H.R. 6568). The combined bill encompasses several crucial provisions aimed at protecting consumers and enhancing their ticket-buying experience.

One of the key provisions is the requirement for the total price of an event ticket to be displayed upfront, inclusive of all fees. This measure will ensure that customers are fully aware of the costs associated with their ticket purchase from the outset, eliminating any unexpected or hidden charges.

Additionally, the TICKET Act bans the sale of speculative tickets, which refers to the practice of selling tickets that the seller does not possess. This prohibition will prevent ticket buyers from falling victim to fraudulent or non-existent tickets, thus safeguarding their interests.

In a move to address the concerns surrounding event cancellations and postponements, the TICKET Act guarantees refunds for such occurrences. This provision seeks to provide consumers with the necessary reassurance and financial protection in cases where events do not proceed as planned.

Furthermore, the act also requires clear disclosures and bans deceptive URLs to protect consumers from fraudulent ticketing websites. These measures aim to combat the prevalence of deceptive practices and ensure that ticket buyers are directed to legitimate and trustworthy sources.

Lastly, the TICKET Act requires the Federal Trade Commission to conduct a study and report on the enforcement of the BOTS Act. This examination will focus on the effectiveness of the existing legislation in countering the use of automated software, or "bots," that enable the mass purchase of tickets, often leading to scarcity and inflated prices.

The passage of the TICKET Act by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce signifies a significant step towards enhancing transparency and fairness in the ticketing industry. With its unanimous support, the act is poised to bring about positive changes that will benefit ticket buyers and promote a more equitable marketplace for all.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/ec-leaders-hail-unanimous-45-0-bipartisan-committee-passage-ticket-act