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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 14, 2023 02:07 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Tina M. Davis |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Keeping Ticket Prices Fair |
| Fans of Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen were recently stunned by ticket prices that exceeded what many people pay for their mortgage. All too often, we look to the internet to find tickets to our favorite band, a musical we’ve been looking forward to, or a division rivalry game, only to find the prices have been outrageously and artificially gouged by third party sellers. Many are using automated programs to purchase these tickets in a matter of minutes, if not seconds, forcing would-be concert goers to spend far more than they would have if given the opportunity to buy the ticket at face value. Due to this artificial price inflation, many people find that they are unable to afford and thus effectively cut off from enjoying their favorite musicians live or experiencing theatre first-hand. Years ago, the General Assembly attempted to remedy this issue by setting a maximum limit for resale. However, much of this language was written before the internet became the monolith it is today, and large loopholes remain that continue to be exploited. For this reason, I will be introducing legislation that works to close these loopholes by removing the exemption for cities of the first class, as well as including internet sales in this limitation. The bill will also create stronger penalties for those who continue to sell tickets that far exceed the original price of purchase by raising the fine from $5,000 to $10,000. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. |