Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act; TICKET Act
Summary
The TICKET Act aims to increase transparency and fairness in the event ticket market. It mandates all-inclusive ticket price disclosures, bans speculative ticketing, and sets refund requirements for canceled or postponed events. The Act also directs the FTC to report on enforcement of the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016.
Expected Effects
Consumers will likely see more transparent pricing and better refund policies when purchasing event tickets. The Act seeks to curb deceptive practices in the secondary ticket market. It also empowers the FTC to enforce these regulations, potentially leading to greater industry compliance.
Potential Benefits
- Clearer pricing: Consumers will see the total ticket price upfront, including all fees.
- Protection from speculative tickets: Bans the sale of tickets that the seller doesn't possess.
- Refund guarantees: Provides refunds for canceled or significantly postponed events.
- Increased transparency: Requires disclosures about resale status and affiliations.
- FTC enforcement: Strengthens consumer protection through FTC oversight.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased ticket prices: Sellers may bundle fees into the base price.
- Limited scope: The Act primarily focuses on transparency and refunds, not overall affordability.
- Enforcement challenges: The FTC's ability to effectively enforce the Act remains to be seen.
- Possible unintended consequences: Some provisions may impact the flexibility of the secondary market.
- Exemption for certain postponements: Events postponed due to unforeseeable circumstances may not be subject to refund requirements.
Constitutional Alignment
The TICKET Act primarily aligns with Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the Constitution (the Commerce Clause). The Act regulates the sale and distribution of event tickets, which often involves interstate transactions. It does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
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).