Consumer protection: ticket sellers.

Assembly Member Bryan's comprehensive ticket sales reform legislation establishes new requirements for ticket sellers and resale marketplaces while enhancing consumer protections for live entertainment events in California. The bill requires ticket sellers and marketplaces to maintain possession or contractual rights before listing tickets, provide detailed venue location information to buyers, and ensure full refunds within 30 days for canceled events.

Under the new provisions, original sellers, resellers, and marketplaces must register with local jurisdictions and maintain 12-month records of all transactions. The legislation prohibits deceptive practices like using automated purchasing software, circumventing sales limits, or creating misleading website displays that mimic official venues. Violations can result in misdemeanor charges with up to six months jail time and $2,500 in fines, plus civil penalties up to $10,000 per incident.

For nonprofit venues and presenters, the bill creates flexibility in handling canceled events by allowing them to offer consumers the choice between full refunds or alternatives like gift certificates, ticket exchanges, or converting the purchase into a donation. The legislation also mandates that resellers clearly disclose when tickets are being sold above face value and include the original ticket price in listings. These changes aim to increase transparency and prevent fraud while preserving legitimate secondary market activity.

Local jurisdictions may require sellers to post bonds up to $50,000 to guarantee refund obligations. Enforcement actions can be brought by state and local prosecutors, with remedies including double damages for consumers who relied on false ticket availability. The bill's provisions complement existing consumer protection laws while creating new oversight mechanisms specific to modern ticketing practices.