Bill > H448

This bill modifies existing Massachusetts law regarding ticket resale by amending Section 185A of Chapter 140 of the General Laws. The legislation requires that any person who engages in reselling tickets to theatrical exhibitions, public shows, or public amusements (which require licensing under specific state law sections) must obtain a license from the commissioner of occupational licensure. This applies not only to direct ticket resale but also to facilitating ticket resale mechanisms between multiple parties, regardless of whether the resale occurs on or off the premises of the event. The bill is framed as an emergency measure intended to remove regulatory burdens on businesses, including nonprofits, that exhibit and sell tickets to their own licensed theatrical and other public exhibitions and shows. By mandating licensing for ticket resale activities, the bill aims to provide greater oversight and regulation of the ticket resale market while potentially protecting consumers and event organizers from uncontrolled or predatory resale practices.