WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

AB 1720

Ticket sellers.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Haney

AB 1720 caps resale prices at original price plus 10% for independent-venue events, requires full fee disclosure, and empowers penalties to curb ticket resales.

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 8. Noes 4.) (June 30). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
#ticketsellers
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 1720

Summary of AB 1720 (Ticket sellers) – California, 2025-2026

Purpose and intent

AB 1720, introduced by Assembly Member Haney, adds Section 22502.5 to the Business and Professions Code to tighten regulation of the resale of event tickets. The bill targets price gouging and lack of transparency in the secondary market for tickets sold for independent-venue events, aiming to preserve affordability, protect fans, and support independent venues, small businesses, and nonprofit promoters.

Key provisions and changes

  • Price caps on resales

    • A ticket reseller may not sell or facilitate sale of a ticket for more than the original price plus 10 percent.
    • If a ticket is resold more than once, the price cap remains no more than 10 percent above the original purchase price (regardless of subsequent resale prices).
    • The consumer’s total price must include all mandatory fees or charges charged by the original seller or through the selling platform.
    • Original sellers must print/display the original purchase price on the ticket.
    • No evasion of price limits through separate charges or fees beyond the 10 percent cap.

  • Disclosure and transparency requirements

    • Resellers may not advertise or offer a price that omits all mandatory fees (except government taxes/fees or legitimate postage/delivery costs).
    • A ticket resale marketplace must disclose the original price on each listing.
    • Resellers and resale platforms must ensure total price shown includes all applicable charges.

  • Fees and penalties for resale marketplaces

    • Ticket resale marketplaces cannot charge more than 10 percent in additional fees to the reseller or buyer.
    • Civil penalties: up to $1,000 per ticket for the first violation; up to $2,500 per ticket for subsequent violations; up to $5,000 per ticket for a knowing, willful pattern.
    • Enforcement may include injunctive relief, restitution, or disgorgement of ill-gotten proceeds.
    • Penalties are enforceable by the Attorney General, county counsels, or city attorneys via civil action.

  • Scope and applicability

    • The provisions apply to resale of tickets for events held at independent venues with either: (a) seating capacity of 3,000 or fewer, or (b) nonprofit venues hosting agricultural fairs, exhibitions, or multiday community events.
    • The bill excludes professional athletic contests/events, season-ticket athletic contests, certain collegiate/amateur events, and events involving foreign nations or large venues.
    • Defined terms included: “independent venue,” “original seller,” “ticket resale marketplace,” and “ticket reseller.”

Affected parties

  • Original sellers (primary sellers) and ticket resellers in the secondary market for independent-venue events.
  • Ticket resale marketplaces that facilitate or list secondary-market sales.
  • Enforcement agencies: Attorney General, county counsel, and city attorneys, who would pursue civil penalties and seek injunctive relief.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill creates new crimes (misdemeanors and related civil penalties) and thus a state-mandated local program.
  • It explicitly states no state reimbursement for local costs is required.
  • Legislative history shows active committee consideration in 2026, with passage to the Senate after third reading (as of May–May 2026 timeline).

Practical impact

  • Aims to reduce marked-up resale prices on smaller, independent venues and nonprofit events.
  • Increases price transparency for consumers purchasing resale tickets.
  • Bolsters enforcement tools and penalties to deter illicit resale practices.
  • May affect the business models of some secondary marketplaces and resellers operating in California.

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

Sign in to ask a question.