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SB 446

Consumer Protection - Sale and Resale of Tickets - Disclosure of Tax Information and Action for Damages

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Gile

Maryland bill mandates ticket sellers disclose all taxes and fees upfront, allowing consumers to sue for non-compliance, targeting hidden-fee marketplace practices.

Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 446

Legislative bill overview

SB 446 requires ticket sellers and resellers to disclose complete tax information to consumers before purchase and creates a private right of action allowing buyers to sue for damages if sellers fail to comply. The bill aims to increase transparency in the ticket marketplace by ensuring consumers know the full cost, including all taxes and fees, upfront.

Why is this important

Ticket buyers frequently encounter "hidden fees" added at checkout, making final prices significantly higher than initially advertised. This practice—common across primary and secondary ticket markets—frustrates consumers and makes price comparison difficult. The bill attempts to address this widespread complaint by mandating clear disclosure and giving consumers legal recourse against non-compliant sellers.

Potential points of contention

  • Business burden and compliance costs: Ticket sellers may argue that the disclosure requirements add administrative complexity and costs, particularly for smaller resellers operating on secondary markets like StubHub or Ticketmaster's resale platform
  • Private right of action scope: The damages provision could invite numerous lawsuits over technical disclosure violations, potentially creating litigation risk disproportionate to consumer harm in individual cases
  • Interstate and multi-jurisdictional challenges: National ticket platforms may face conflicting state requirements, and enforcement against out-of-state sellers could prove difficult and costly

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

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