Plain Language Summary
# TICKET Act Summary **What the bill would do:** The TICKET Act aims to increase transparency in ticket pricing for concerts, sports events, and similar entertainment. If passed, it would require ticket sellers—both primary sellers and resellers—to display the total ticket price upfront when you first see a ticket listing, rather than hiding fees until checkout. Sellers would also need to show you an itemized breakdown of the base ticket price plus all individual fees (service charges, processing fees, etc.). These same price disclosures would be required in any advertisements or marketing materials. **Who it affects and key provisions:** The bill targets ticket sellers, resellers, and secondary market exchanges (like ticket resale platforms).
A notable restriction would prohibit sellers from selling or advertising tickets they don't actually have in their possession—essentially preventing the practice of selling tickets you don't own yet. However, resellers could still offer services to help you obtain tickets. The bill addresses consumer frustrations about "surprise" fees that often appear at the final checkout stage, which can significantly increase the advertised price. **Current status:** The bill (S. 281) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act or the TICKET ActThis bill requires ticket sellers (including sellers on the secondary market) for concerts, performances, sporting events, and similar activities to clearly and prominently disclose the total ticket price for the event at the time the ticket is first displayed to an individual (and anytime thereafter during the purchasing process). Prior to completing a purchase, ticket sellers also must provide an itemized list of the base ticket price and each fee (e.g., service fee, processing fee, or other charge). The total ticket price must also be disclosed in any advertisement, marketing, or price list.Additionally, a ticket seller, secondary market seller, or ticket exchange that does not have actual or constructive possession of an event ticket is prohibited from selling or advertising a ticket for the event. However, a secondary market seller or exchange may sell or advertise a service to obtain an event ticket for an individual if the seller or exchange (1) does not market the service as an event ticket, (2) maintains a clear separation between the provided service and the event tickets throughout the entire purchasing process, and (3) clearly discloses that the service is not an event ticket.The bill establishes additional disclosure requirements for ticket sellers, secondary market sellers, and ticket exchanges, and requires such entities to issue a refund for the total ticket price if an event is canceled or postponed.The Federal Trade Commission must enforce these requirements.
Latest Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 63.