Bill > SB1160

This bill aims to protect consumers from ticket scalping by prohibiting the sale of event tickets in Hawaii at prices higher than the original price set by the primary venue ticket provider. The legislation specifically targets scalpers who use automated software to quickly purchase multiple tickets and resell them at inflated prices, as demonstrated by a 2018 incident involving a Bruno Mars concert. The bill defines a "primary venue ticket provider" as the owner, operator, manager, or promoter responsible for the initial ticket sales. It creates a new law that makes it illegal to sell event tickets for more than their original price, with an exception for charitable organizations conducting fundraising activities like raffles or auctions. The bill also repeals an existing statute about ticket brokers that previously regulated credit card fees and service fee refunds. The new law will take effect on July 1, 2050, and includes provisions ensuring that if any part of the law is found invalid, the rest of the law can still be enforced. The overall purpose is to make event tickets more accessible and affordable for Hawaii residents by preventing price gouging in the secondary ticket market.

Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1160&year=2025