Image credit: Festicket press
California bill proposes capping ticket resale prices to protect fans
California lawmakers aim to cap ticket resale prices to protect fans from scalping and inflated secondary market costs.
California could soon take dramatic new steps to rein in soaring secondary-market ticket prices as lawmakers push legislation to cap how much concert and live event tickets can be resold for above face value. The proposed measure, known as the California Fans First Act (AB 1720), was introduced by Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) in the State Assembly earlier this month and aims to make it illegal for tickets to be resold for more than approximately 10% above their original purchase price. The bill would cover concerts, comedy shows, theatre performances, and other live entertainment events, though it would not include sporting events.
Supporters of the bill argue that unchecked resale prices have made attending shows increasingly difficult for average fans. In recent years, tickets for some high-demand tours and cultural events have exploded in value on secondary platforms, often selling for double their face value or more, a trend that has frustrated concertgoers and artists alike. Under the proposed law, ticket brokers and online resale sites would be restricted in how much they can mark up tickets, to keep prices closer to what most fans can afford. Lawmakers have pointed to automated bots and large-volume resellers as key contributors to the skyrocketing prices that often leave primary markets sold out before regular buyers can secure seats.
However, critics of the plan have raised concerns that a hard cap could disrupt the broader resale market or create unintended consequences for ticket availability. The details and enforcement mechanisms of the bill are still being worked through in committee hearings as legislators weigh amendments and industry feedback. California’s effort is part of a wider push across the U.S. to rethink how secondary ticket markets operate. Other states, including New York, are also considering reforms that would limit resale markups or tackle speculative sales practices. If passed, the California Fans First Act could set a precedent for future ticketing reform in the country, positioning the state as a leader in efforts to curb excessive price markups and make live entertainment more accessible to fans.
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