The Transparency in Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act (TICKET) has taken one step closer to becoming law in the United States after being reported to the full House of Representatives.
Lawmakers approved the act during a meeting of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
If made law, the TICKET Act would mandate all-in pricing. This would make it compulsory for ticket marketplaces to display fee-inclusive costs at the outset.
“This legislation is about protecting consumers and ensuring fans can enjoy live events by improving ticket price transparency,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis on the act, which is also known as HR 1402.
“HR 1402 requires all event ticket sellers to display the total ticket price, including all required fees upfront, provide refunds for cancelled or postponed events and protect consumers from deceptive ticketing websites.
“This bill also prohibits speculative ticket sales, which is the practice of selling tickets that one does not actually possess.
“By eliminating this loophole, we are ensuring fairer access to tickets for all fans.”
The development marks a significant step for the legislation which was first introduced in April 2023.
Last year, it reached the Senate but was dumped after US President Donald Trump demanded spending cuts. It was then reintroduced earlier this year.
“We have worked a long time on this legislation – it’s been a couple of years,” said representative Jan Schakowsk.
“And we should not have any problems with this right now.
“Because we know that this legislation has passed the House of Representatives pretty much unanimously.
“And we have had sponsors across the aisle at all times.”
The TICKET Act has been applauded by the National Consumers League which described it as “the solution that millions of fans have been seeking”.
The body hopes that it can eliminate hidden fees, crack down on “predatory” ticket resale practices, and guarantee refunds in the event of postponements and cancellations.
The act now needs to pass the Senate before being signed into law by the President, or have Congress vote it in.