Northeast Tennessee's U.S. Congresswoman is taking the lead in a bipartisan effort to curb ticket scalping.
On April 8, U.S. Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger introduced the House Bipartisan companion bill for the Mitigating Automated Internet Networks (MAIN) Event Ticketing Act with co-lead U.S. Congressman Troy A. Carter, a Louisiana Democrat. Senators Marsha Blackburn, a Tennessee Republican, and Ben Ray Luján, a New Mexico Democrat, have introduced the bill in the U.S Senate.
This legislation builds on the Better Online Ticket Sales Act, signed into law in 2016 and aims to stop ticket scalpers from using software to purchase tickets in high volumes.
"A fan should be able to buy tickets to live events without bots stealing them and hiking the price," Congresswoman Harshbarger stated. "We have given the FTC the tools they need to help reduce ticket costs and protect consumers and artists from scammers. Now we must ensure they are enforcing it. This bipartisan legislation builds upon my work to safeguard artists and their fans in the online ticket marketplace."
This legislation would codify President Donald Trump's recent executive order to hold ticket scalpers accountable.
According to Harshbarger, the MAIN Event Ticketing Act would establish reporting requirements for online ticket sellers to notify of successful bot attacks to the Federal Trade Commission. The bill would also create a complaint database so consumers can share their experiences with the FTC, which must then share that information with the attorneys general. The bill also enacts data security requirements for online ticket sellers and mandates information sharing between the FTC and law enforcement and require a report to Congress on its enforcement.
"If there's one thing that can bring us all together, it's music and entertainment," Congresswoman Harshbarger said. "This is especially true for East Tennessee, as we're home to music legends like Dolly Parton and Morgan Wallen."
She continued, "Whether it's attending a concert or a stand-up show, we all love spending time with friends and family to enjoy live entertainment. What no one loves is trying to buy a ticket to see your favorite performance, only to find that scalpers have scooped up most of the tickets and are reselling them at exorbitant prices."
"I am proud to lead this bill, which is a crucial step toward restoring fairness and transparency in the online ticket marketplace," Congressman Carter said. "In Louisiana, the birthplace of American Music, this is especially important. By cracking down on bots and improving the enforcement of existing laws, this bipartisan legislation prioritizes fans, ensuring they have a fair chance to experience live events they love without being prices out or misled by deceitful actors.
"I am honored to stand with Rep. Harshbarger, along with many artists, venues, and industry leaders, to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of live entertainment."