From a theatrical performance to a sporting event, fans would have the freedom to resell their tickets, as they would almost any other items of personal property.
Rep. Joe Hoppe (R-Chaska) is hoping to pass a bill that allows just that. Currently, venue operators and event promoters can restrict the resale of tickets through a variety of means, such as selling tickets electronically or placing caps on resale prices. If
HF657 were to pass, those attempts to limit resale would become illegal.
Approved Jan. 31 by the House Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee, the bill was sent to the House floor. Its companion,
SF425 sponsored by Sen. Chris Gerlach (R-Apple Valley), awaits action by the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee.
The bill was awaiting action on the House floor when the 2011 session ended and, pursuant to House rules, was returned to the committee.
Testimony was limited to brief comments on a successfully added amendment to exempt public entities, such as the Minnesota State High School League, from the ticket resale regulations.
In response to the amendment, private sports and entertainment coalition officials voiced dissent, stating that the bill gives an unfair advantage to public organizations that may compete with private ones for sales.
The bill moves forward with support from organizations like the Fan Freedom Project, which alleges that the current activities of ticket issuers is more than just an inconvenience for fans. They say that resale limits are a burden on the free market and an invasion of property rights.