The legislation primarily impacts Sections 16-17-710 and 39-5-36 of the South Carolina Code. By adjusting these sections, the bill eliminates exceptions that previously enabled higher resale prices under certain conditions. This will likely lead to a decrease in price gouging in the resale market, particularly benefiting consumers looking to attend popular events. Additionally, it clarifies the definitions of what constitutes an 'open market event ticket' and outlines the allowable venues and conditions for ticket sales. As a result, the bill is expected to enhance consumer confidence in ticket purchases.
Summary
House Bill H3449 seeks to amend existing sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws that govern the resale of tickets for events. Specifically, it aims to impose stricter controls on how tickets can be resold by removing certain exceptions previously allowed under the law. Under the revised provisions, individuals and entities reselling tickets must not charge more than one dollar above the original price, except in the context of designated 'open market event tickets.' This indicates a shift towards more consumer-friendly practices in the resale market.
Contention
Notably, the bill introduces penalties for those who violate its provisions, classifying such violations as misdemeanors that may result in fines or imprisonment. This aspect has raised concerns among some stakeholders about the potential overreach of regulatory measures in the ticket resale industry. Opponents argue that while consumer protection is important, strict regulations might also harm legitimate ticket resellers who operate fairly and responsibly. As discussions around the bill continue, stakeholders are weighing the balance between consumer rights and the freedoms of ticket sellers.
Enacts into law components of legislation that relate to live event ticket sales; establishes an annual professional reseller renewal fee; requires professional ticket resellers to provide their New York state ticket reseller license number as a condition of utilizing an online resale marketplace to resell tickets (Part A); provides criteria for when a purchaser may obtain a full refund of the amount paid for a ticket (Part B); relates to resale requirements for tickets; requires that if a licensee or other ticket reseller doesn't have possession of the ticket, then they shall have a written contract to obtain the offered ticket at a certain price from a person or entity in possession of the ticket or from a person or entity who has a contractual right to obtain such ticket, and tickets to the event have been placed on sale by the venue or entity hosting the event or its authorized agent before the licensee or reseller can advertise the sale of the tickets (Part C); relates to unlawful charges in connection with tickets; permits reasonable charges for costs actually rendered or otherwise in connection to customer support, technological and software infrastructure, and actual operational costs for sales away from the box office; defines terms (Part D); relates to the availability of tickets for sale to the general public; defines a term (Part E); relates to the resale of tickets included in a subscription or season ticket package (Part F); extends the effectiveness of certain provisions relating to tickets to places of entertainment (Part G).