A California bill that would have limited the resale price of concert and live event tickets to 10% above face value has failed to advance out of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The California Fans First Act (AB 1720), introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney in February, was designed to curb excessive markups on the secondary market.
Broad industry support
The legislation drew backing from a coalition of live music organizations, including the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), the Music Artists Coalition, the National Independent Talent Organization (NITO), and Live Nation. Similar resale price caps have already been enacted in Maine, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is also expected to present a comparable measure as part of a supplemental spending bill.
Record lobbying spend
Ticket resale platform StubHub spent a record $3.4 million on lobbying in California this year to oppose the bill. The company argued against the proposed cap, which would have limited resale prices to 10% above the original ticket cost.
Reaction from supporters
Ron Gubitz, Executive Director of the Music Artists Coalition, called the outcome disappointing. “Every fan, at every show, needs to be protected. Period,” Gubitz said. “We’re grateful for the work Asm. Haney has put into this fight. He’s been a fierce advocate for fans, artists, and venues alike.”
“This isn’t a fringe idea, and it isn’t partisan. From Kid Rock to Noah Kahan, artists across genres have called for solutions to runaway ticket resale practices. Independent venues have spoken out. Fans have demanded change. Several states and countries have already adopted resale caps because they recognize the urgency of this issue. AB 1720 would have helped remove the incentives that fuel predatory ticket resale while still allowing someone who can’t attend a show to resell their ticket and recover their costs.”
Assemblymember Haney delivered that statement following the bill’s failure to advance.
