The proposed bill, H.B. No. 2025-2026, aims to regulate ticket sales in Ohio by enacting sections 1345.53 and 1345.54 of the Revised Code. It introduces definitions for key terms related to ticket sales, such as "entertainment," "online ticket marketplace," "operator," and "ticket reseller." The bill mandates that operators and ticket resellers disclose the total cost of tickets, including all fees and surcharges, in a clear and conspicuous manner during the purchasing process. Additionally, it prohibits practices such as selling multiple copies of the same ticket, circumventing purchasing processes, and using misleading domain names for resale purposes.
Furthermore, the bill establishes requirements for ticket resellers and online marketplaces, including the obligation to provide proof of purchase within 24 hours of a resale transaction and to inform purchasers about event details and refund policies. It also outlines penalties for violations, categorizing them as unfair or deceptive acts under existing consumer protection laws. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance transparency and fairness in the ticket sales market, protecting consumers from deceptive practices.