General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5125 seeks to regulate ticket resellers for entertainment events, with an effective date of October 1, 2026. The bill defines a "ticket reseller" and sets forth specific requirements for their operations, including the necessity to either possess the ticket, have a written contract with the ticket holder, or inform purchasers if they do not have the ticket. Additionally, if oral disclosures are made, written disclosures must follow within two business days. Violations of these requirements are classified as unfair or deceptive acts under existing trade laws. The bill also introduces new definitions related to entertainment events and venues, replacing previous language concerning service charges, and mandates clear disclosure of total ticket prices and service charges in advertisements.

Moreover, the legislation requires ticket sellers to provide refunds for canceled live entertainment events, ensuring that purchasers receive a full refund, including service charges, within thirty days of cancellation. It empowers the Commissioner of Consumer Protection to adopt regulations for implementing these provisions and establishes that violations will be deemed unfair or deceptive practices in trade. The bill aims to enhance transparency in ticket sales and protect consumers from deceptive practices in the resale market, with specific modifications to existing laws regarding ticket sales and resales.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 53-289a