Bill > SB6175

This bill, known as the Washington Access and Venue Equity (WAVE) Act, aims to increase transparency and fairness in ticket sales by establishing new regulations for ticket resellers and resale marketplaces. It prohibits the sale of "speculative tickets" (tickets not yet in possession of the reseller) and restricts resellers from listing or selling tickets before their initial public sale, including fan club presales. The bill mandates clear disclosure of transferability restrictions before purchase, requires written permission from original sellers for resale if contractual terms are violated, and limits the resale price of a ticket to 110% of its original price, with specific exceptions for certain professional sports events. Resellers must also provide clear disclosures about their identity and status as a reseller, guarantee refunds for canceled or illegitimate tickets, and are prohibited from using artist or venue names in website addresses to mislead consumers. Furthermore, all commercial ticket resellers and resale marketplaces must obtain a license from the Department of Licensing, with provisions for surety bonds to protect consumers and original ticket sellers, and establishes civil penalties for violations, including fines and potential license revocation. The bill also clarifies that violations of its provisions are considered unfair or deceptive practices under the state's Consumer Protection Act.

Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6175&Year=2025&Initiative=false