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SD 3994

An Act to make Noah Kahan tickets affordable for the rest of us

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Julian Cyr and 1 co-sponsor

Cap resale tickets at 110% of face value and require clear disclosures to prevent deception by resale platforms.

Referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently
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Bill Summary · SD 3994

Summary of SD 3994 (Session 194th, Massachusetts)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to make tickets for Noah Kahan performances more affordable for consumers in Massachusetts by limiting resale prices.
  • It targets the resale market for theatrical admissions, public shows, or public amusements/exhibitions to prevent price gouging above a specified threshold.

Key provisions and changes

Section 1 – Ticket resale price cap

  • Amends Section 185A of Chapter 140 to add a new paragraph:
    • No person may sell or offer for sale a ticket at a price greater than 110 percent of the price of the original ticket.
  • In effect, resale prices are capped at 110% of the ticket’s face value.

Section 2 – Consumer disclosures and anti-deception requirements for licensees

  • Amends Section 185D of Chapter 140, modifying paragraph (c) to require licensees (ticket resale platforms) to provide specific disclosures:
    • Resale price disclosure: Clearly inform consumers that resale tickets are limited to 110% of the original price under Section 185A(c).
    • Anti-deception requirements: Licensees must not mislead consumers about ticket availability on their platform or others.
    • Prohibition on misleading branding or ownership claims: Licensees must not use deceptive website addresses or imply endorsement or ownership by the venue or artist without explicit written authorization.
    • Prohibition on implying affiliation: Licensees must not state or imply that their platform is affiliated with or endorsed by a venue, team, or artist (e.g., using terms like “official”) in promotional materials, social media, SEO, paid ads, URLs, or search monetization unless there is express written consent from the venue, team, or artist.

Affected parties

Primary affected groups

  • Ticket resale platforms and licensees operating in Massachusetts (platforms that resell tickets for public shows, theaters, etc.).
  • Consumers seeking to purchase resale tickets for performances, including Noah Kahan shows.
  • Event venues, artists, and teams may benefit indirectly through reduced scalping and more transparent pricing.

Indirect effects

  • Potentially reduces resale price gouging by establishing a legally enforceable cap (110% of face value).
  • Increases transparency around resale practices and reduces misleading marketing.
  • Could affect revenue models of resale platforms and how they market “official” or “verified” tickets.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill is introduced as Senate Docket No. 3994, filed June 9, 2026.
  • It is presented as a proposed act to the Massachusetts General Court (one chamber), with a sponsor listed as Senator Dylan A. Fernandes.
  • The text references joint rule considerations (subject to Joint Rule 12), indicating standard legislative process for referral to committees (likely Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure) for hearings and potential amendments.
  • Once enacted, the provisions would take effect per the bill’s final language and any implementing regulations or timelines set by the legislature or relevant agencies.

Notes and considerations

  • The 110% resale cap is a specific numerical limit intended to prevent excessive markup on resale tickets.
  • The disclosure and anti-deception provisions are designed to improve transparency and prevent misleading practices by resale platforms.
  • The bill does not specify enforcement mechanisms or penalties for non-compliance beyond the stated price cap and disclosure requirements; those details would typically be defined in broader consumer protection enforcement statutes or subsequent implementing regulations.
  • While titled around Noah Kahan tickets, the language appears to apply broadly to tickets for “any such theatrical admission, public show or public amusement or exhibition,” effectively governing resale of a wide range of tickets beyond a single artist.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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