A bill which sought to cap the resale price of concert and live event tickets at 10% above face value in California has failed to advance after being held in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Authored by San Francisco Assemblymember Matt Haney, AB 1720 – aka the California Fans First Act – aimed to curb price gouging by ticket brokers and resale platforms at certain independent venues.
Vermont and Washington, D.C. have recently enacted similar measures, while Maine has adopted a 10% cap on resale marketplace fees. Last month, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey also announced she would file legislation to cap ticket resale prices.
This is a disappointing outcome. Every fan, at every show, needs to be protected. Period
Ron Gubitz, Music Artists Coalition
The California Fans First Act received support from music industry groups including the National Independent Venue Association, National Independent Talent Organization and the Future of Music Coalition, but faced pushback from resale platforms such as StubHub, SeatGeek and Vivid Seats.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, StubHub spent nearly $2.6 million lobbying in California against this bill from April to June.
“This is a disappointing outcome,” said Music Artists Coalition executive director Ron Gubitz. “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."
