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Fan Fairness and Transparency Act introduced; sponsors, venues seek clearer pricing and anti-bot measures
Summary
House Bill 3167A would prohibit use of software to circumvent ticketing controls, require upfront disclosure of total ticket price and bar speculative listings that do not represent tickets actually owned by the reseller, proponents told the committee; stakeholders agreed to work on technical amendments.
House Bill 3167A, titled the Fan Fairness and Transparency Act in sponsor materials, would regulate the sale and resale of event tickets by prohibiting the use of software to purchase tickets to evade controls, requiring ticket sellers to disclose the initial price and the total price up front and prohibiting speculative listings on resale sites.
Representative Pam Marsh told the Senate committee the bill targets hidden fees, speculative ticketing and misleading resale practices that she said had defrauded constituents. She described instances in which websites used venue logos and seating maps to create urgency and charged buyers inflated prices for counterfeit or misleading listings; Marsh said one constituent paid $3,000 for two counterfeit festival tickets that were available from the venue for $159 each.
Independent venues and the National Independent Venue Association, represented by Jim Brumberg and others, told the committee the problems — fake websites, speculative listings and bots buying large blocks of seats within seconds — are frequent and harm patrons and venues alike. Brumberg said venues operate on thin margins and face reputational damage when patrons arrive with invalid tickets.
Attorney Sarah Drescher and DOJ staff advised sponsors that enforcement would be available through Oregon’s Unlawful Trade Practices Act (ORS 646.608) and that the bill contemplates private rights of action and Attorney General enforcement mechanisms; Marsh noted the committee is working with DOJ and legislative counsel on an amendment to tighten technical language.
Marketplaces including StubHub told the committee they support a competitive, transparent marketplace but sought further technical amendments to avoid unintended consequences for consumers and safeguard lawful resale. Amanda Dalton of StubHub said the parties met with stakeholders to develop changes and expected additional amendments before the next hearing.
Committee members and stakeholders agreed to continue work on technical amendments; proponents said they expected to return with a refined A-dash amendment the following week.
