Legislation will provide important new protections and transparency for fans; TICKET Act passed the U.S. House with an incredible 409 bipartisan votes
Lawmakers in the U.S. Congress and state legislatures are considering an array of policy proposals to protect live event fans and fight monopoly control of the ticketing industry. But their best solution is hiding in plain sight. The TICKET Act passed the US House of Representatives with an extraordinary 409-15 bipartisan vote and passed the Senate Commerce Committee on a voice vote. Congress should enact the bill, and states should use it as a practical, bipartisan model.
In fact, at this time last year, in December 2024, fans of live events who purchase tickets almost received a wonderful holiday gift when the TICKET Act was included in an end-of-the-year spending bill. Unfortunately, that package collapsed at the last minute for unrelated reasons, and the bill was left behind.
The Ticket Policy Forum (TPF) is a proud supporter of the federal TICKET Act (H.R. 1402) introduced by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) as well as companion legislation introduced in the Senate (S. 281 430) by Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) based on similar legislation introduced previously by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA). The bill enjoys overwhelming support in Congress, within the industry, and among premier federal and state consumer protection organizations.
What would the bill do?
- Require upfront, all-in pricing
Fans would see listed is the price they pay at the end of the transaction. (this will codify new FTC all-in pricing rules into law)
- Crack down on deceptive websites
To ensure fans are not tricked by sites masquerading as sports or music venues when really they have no official affiliation.
- Guarantee refunds for canceled shows
In the case of canceled events, fans deserve a full refund
- Require refunds or replacements for postponed events
In instances in which fans can’t make a rescheduled show, they deserve the flexibility to receive a refund or a ticket to the new event date.
- Ban deceptive speculative ticket sales
Sellers would no longer be allowed to offer a ticket for sale unless they have constructive possession of the ticket.
- Create guardrails for ticket procurement services
Concierge-like ticket shopping services provided refund protection or comparable ticket replacement guarantees are in place.
Why does TPF support the bill?
The TICKET Act aligns with Ticket Policy Forum’s policy principles which guarantee protections for fans and competition in the marketplace. Other bills introduced in Congress and state legislatures would allow discrimination at the door based on where a fan obtained tickets and some jurisdictions have even considered instituting price controls, which harm fans and empower monopolies.
What is the bill’s status?
The TICKET Act passed out of the full House of Representatives in April of 2025 (409-15). It is currently awaiting consideration in the U.S. Senate.
Click here to read the bill text of the House version of the TICKET Act.
Click here to read the bill text of the Senate version of the TICKET Act.