Consumer protection: ticket sellers.

Assembly Member Bryan's comprehensive ticket sales reform legislation aims to regulate California's entertainment ticketing market through new requirements for sellers, resellers, and online marketplaces. The bill establishes a framework requiring ticket sellers to possess or have contractual rights to tickets before listing them for sale, while mandating detailed disclosures about seat locations and original ticket prices.

The legislation creates distinct obligations for different market participants. Original sellers and resellers must maintain 12-month records of all transactions and provide specific venue seating information to buyers. Online resale marketplaces must verify sellers' ticket ownership rights and display original face values alongside resale prices. The bill prohibits deceptive practices like using misleading website designs or falsely claiming events are sold out when tickets remain available through original sellers.

For consumer protection, the bill requires full refunds within 30 days for canceled events and gives buyers the option of refunds or credits for postponed shows. Violations can result in misdemeanor charges carrying jail terms up to six months and fines up to $2,500, while civil penalties may reach $10,000 per incident. Consumers can recover double the ticket price plus expenses when sellers fail to deliver promised tickets or misrepresent ticket provisions.

The measure responds to documented issues in California's live entertainment sector, which generates over $51 billion in economic activity annually through more than 80,000 music establishments. Local jurisdictions maintain authority to require up to $50,000 in bonding from ticket sellers to ensure refund availability. Enforcement actions can be brought by state and local prosecutors, including the Attorney General, district attorneys, and city attorneys.