The California Fans First Act, Capping Ticket Resale Prices, Fails to Advance

The California Fans First Act (AB 1720), a bill designed to cap the resale price of concert and live event tickets in California at 10% above their original face value, has failed to advance out of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill was introduced by state assembly member Matt Haney in February.

Why it matters:

• The bill was designed to curb ticket scalping and exorbitant mark-ups in the secondary market.

• AB 1720 was supported by the National Independent Venue Association, Music Artists Coalition, National Independent Talent Organization, and Live Nation.

• Maine, Vermont and Washington D.C. have all recently enacted similar laws, while Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey will also be presenting a price cap law for review in the state’s supplemental spending bill.

Lobbying efforts:

• As per The Hollywood Reporter, ticket resale platform StubHub has spent a record $3.4 million in lobbying expenses in California this year fighting the bill.

Industry response:

• Ron Gubitz, Executive Director of Music Artists Coalition: “This is a disappointing outcome. Every fan, at every show, needs to be protected. Period. 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.”

What they said:

• Assembly member Matt Haney: “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.”