Bill > HB77

This bill establishes the "Ticket Resale Consumer Protection and Transparency Act" to regulate the sale and resale of event tickets in Maryland, with the goal of protecting consumers. It requires ticket resellers, defined as individuals or entities reselling tickets, who sell 50 or more tickets annually to register with the Division, providing detailed personal and business information, and to maintain a surety bond of at least $10,000 to cover potential consumer losses. The Division will maintain a public list of registered resellers and their violation history. The bill also mandates that secondary ticket exchanges, which are online marketplaces for buying and reselling tickets, must verify reseller registrations, report non-compliant resellers, and maintain transaction records. Both resellers and exchanges must clearly disclose the total ticket price, including all fees and taxes, and itemize all charges. The bill limits the resale price of a ticket to the original price plus 10%, and prohibits the sale of "speculative tickets," which are tickets not yet in the reseller's possession at the time of sale. Furthermore, it requires full refunds for counterfeit tickets, canceled events, or tickets not matching their description, and generally prohibits restrictions on ticket transfers unless clearly disclosed and acknowledged by the buyer. Ticket issuers and secondary exchanges are also required to implement technology to prevent automated bulk purchases. Violations of this act are considered unfair trade practices and are subject to penalties under existing consumer protection laws, with the act taking effect on October 1, 2026.

Business and Industry

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0077?ys=2026RS