Senate advances bill to curb secondary ticketing abuses, adds private right of action

Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 181, a consumer‑protection bill aimed at the secondary ticketing market, passed the Delaware Senate on March 26 after floor debate.

Sponsor Senator Siegfried told colleagues the bill would protect artists and fans by banning the use of software that hoards large quantities of tickets, requiring resellers to possess the tickets they list, mandating transparent disclosure of fees and taxes before checkout, prohibiting deceptive advertising that uses artists’ or venues’ imagery without permission, and allowing artists to have input on pricing. “These changes protect fans, strengthen transparency, and restore integrity in the ticketing marketplace,” Siegfried said.

Supporters noted practices such as bulk buying by professional scalpers and hidden fees that can inflate final prices by thousands of percent, reducing attendance and depriving local venues of concessions and other revenue. The substitute also creates a private right of action allowing individuals to sue for violations and recover nominal damages, attorney fees and restitution even when a specific financial loss is hard to prove.

Senate clerks recorded the roll call at 19 yes and 2 absent; the measure was declared passed to the Senate.

The bill’s supporters identified the Delaware Arts Alliance and multiple independent venues as backers; opponents did not make extended remarks during floor consideration. The Senate vote sends the substitute forward for the next legislative steps as required by chamber rules.