Illinois proposal could crack down on deceptive ticket practices, create consumer protections

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — An Illinois House Democrat hopes to create new consumer protections for ticket sales.

Taylor Swift Vienna — FILE - Taylor Swift performs at Wembley Stadium as part of her Eras Tour, June 21, 2024, in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP, File)
Scott A Garfitt

Rep. Nick Smith (D-Chicago) told WAND News Tuesday that he saw and heard stories about so many people who tried to buy tickets for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour but struggled with third party groups that drove up prices.

Smith's legislation could require ticket sellers to display the full price and assessed fees to consumers when the price is first shown online. Ticket resellers would also be prohibited from selling or offering tickets they do not possess or have a contract to purchase.

"We will put rules and regulations around those that sell tickets to protect those that want to procure tickets," Smith said. "We have brokers and resellers that aren't clearly defined. We'll define those roles and we'll also cut down on the deceptive practices."

House Bill 3108 also states that ticket resale marketplaces would not be allowed to include the name of an artist, team or event venue in a URL of a website operated by the ticket reseller or its agents unless it is authorized by the artist, team or event venue. Smith noted ticket issuers should deliver any tickets purchased within four days unless a delay is clearly and conspicuously disclosed at the time of sale.

Ticket issuers would also be required to disclose the number of tickets for events that are withheld from sale any time it offers ticket sales.

Smith said his bill could be a great first step in the right direction, and he hopes other states introduce similar plans. He argued the proposal should gain strong bipartisan support this spring.

"Some venues hold tickets to drive the ticket prices up. You're thinking I have to hurry up and purchase this ticket, but in reality they still have a quantity of seats available," Smith said. "I've heard of people who waited until the day of a concert and they get a better deal on the day of. Some people spend $1,000 or $2,000 as soon as the tickets hit the market. You can wait until the day of and purchase it in person and get a better deal. That's not fair to the person who spent $2,000 on a ticket."

House Bill 3108 has not moved out of the House Rules Committee at this time. Although, Smith hopes to have the plan moved to the Consumer Protection Committee soon.