New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09738

Introduced
4/2/26  

Caption

Includes sporting events within the definition of places of public entertainment and amusement for purposes of wrongful refusal of admission to and ejection from places of public entertainment and amusement.

Impact

If enacted, S09738 will have significant implications for state laws regarding access to venues that host public performances. The amendment would legally bind owners and managers of these venues to allow patrons who have tickets access, aligning the treatment of sporting events with that of traditional public entertainment forms like theaters and concert halls. This aligns with contemporary societal expectations regarding consumer rights and accessibilities, providing a more inclusive environment for attending sporting events.

Summary

Bill S09738, introduced by Senator Kavanagh, seeks to amend New York's civil rights law to expand the definition of 'places of public entertainment and amusement' to include sporting events. This change specifically addresses the wrongful refusal of admission to or ejection from these events for individuals who present valid tickets. The bill aims to ensure that individuals over the age of 21 cannot be denied entry to performances where they possess a ticket, thus enhancing protections for patrons attending various entertainment venues, including theaters and sporting venues.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the bill, especially regarding the definitions and implications of 'wrongful refusal' and 'ejection.' Stakeholders in the sporting industry, as well as civil rights advocates, will likely voice opinions on what constitutes proper conduct and how venue managers can appropriately manage their facilities without infringing upon consumer rights. These discussions might focus on balancing the rights of patrons with the operational realities faced by venue owners, thus highlighting the complexities of legal definitions in this context.

Companion Bills

NY A06310

Same As Includes sporting events within the definition of places of public entertainment and amusement for purposes of wrongful refusal of admission to and ejection from places of public entertainment and amusement.

Previously Filed As

NY S03850

Includes sporting events within the definition of places of public entertainment and amusement for purposes of wrongful refusal of admission to and ejection from places of public entertainment and amusement.

NY A06310

Includes sporting events within the definition of places of public entertainment and amusement for purposes of wrongful refusal of admission to and ejection from places of public entertainment and amusement.

NY HB997

Admissions and Amusement Tax - Food and Beverages

NY HB3167

Relating to regulating sales of admission tickets to entertainment events.

NY SB324

Admissions and Amusement Tax - Food and Beverages

NY HB3510

Relating to regulating sales of admission tickets to entertainment events.

NY HB1048

Amusements and sports; Amusements and Sports Reform Act of 2025; effective date.

NY HB2317

Amusements and sports; Amusements and Sports Reform Act of 2025; effective date.

NY HB2315

Amusements and sports; Amusements and Sports Reform Act of 2025; effective date.

NY HB2316

Amusements and sports; Amusements and Sports Reform Act of 2025; effective date.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.