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Committee backs bill to block resale markups on tickets for state and nonprofit events
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Summary
Lawmakers voted 4-2 to advance House Bill 26, which extends existing anti-scalping protections for college athletic events to certain state and nonprofit arts events after witnesses from arts organizations described algorithmic resale listings and misleading web search results that price out local patrons.
The Consumer & Public Affairs Committee voted 4-2 to move House Bill 26 forward after proponents described online third-party resale practices that redirect would-be buyers away from box offices and advertise inflated prices.
Representative Kate Cates, sponsor, said the measure fills a gap: state law already prohibits predatory resale for university athletic events; HB 26 would add ticketed events presented by state agencies, political subdivisions and nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations.
Tony Zancanella, executive director of Opera Southwest, told the committee resellers and automated search results increasingly push consumers to secondary sites that show steep markups or appear to sell tickets but do not route buyers to the official box office. “You'll be greeted with tickets for sale for $85 to $400 for events where the arts organization sells tickets for under $40,” Zancanella said.
Supporters argued the change would protect access and affordability for local audiences and preserve earned revenue for nonprofit arts groups. Anne Conway of Opera Southwest and representatives of the League of Women Voters and other arts organizations urged passage.
Opposition was limited in the hearing; committee members debated how the statute would apply to genuine resale between individuals and whether the prohibition could unintentionally criminalize small transfers among friends. Committee discussion clarified that the statute bars resale above face value for covered events but does not prohibit transfers at or below face value; organizers can adjust prices or process returned tickets to reflect market demand.
The committee voted 4-2 to advance the bill. Roll call showed Representatives Romero, Thompson, the vice chair and the chair voting yes; Representatives Block and Lord voting no. Committee counsel and witnesses said the change mirrors anti-scalping measures in other states and would give arts groups the same protection long applied to some athletic events. The Administrative Office of the Courts and arts groups said enforcement would often rely on platform cooperation in addition to criminal penalties.
Votes at a glance: House Bill 26 — Motion: do pass; mover: Representative Kate Cates; second: not specified. Committee vote: 4 yes (Romero, Thompson, Vice Chair, Chair), 2 no (Block, Lord).
