San Francisco is taking a stand against ticket scalpers and predatory resale practices with a groundbreaking new bill that could revolutionize how live event tickets are sold.

Assemblymember Matt Haney has introduced the California Fans First Act (AB 1720), which aims to put an end to the outrageous price gouging that has long plagued music and entertainment fans. The proposed legislation would cap ticket resale prices at just 10% above the original face value, striking a blow against professional scalpers and automated bots that currently dominate the secondary ticket market.

Under Haney’s proposed legislation, fans would still be able to resell tickets to each other at a modest markup, maintaining the flexibility of person-to-person ticket transfers. However, large-scale commercial resellers would face strict limitations designed to prevent them from artificially inflating ticket prices.

The bill specifically targets concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical performances, creating a protective zone for live entertainment consumers. By limiting the potential for massive profit margins, Haney hopes to make live events more accessible and ensure that more revenue goes directly to artists and venues instead of middlemen.

This legislation comes at a critical time when many young people are finding live entertainment increasingly unaffordable. Ticket prices have skyrocketed in recent years, with some resale platforms marking up prices by hundreds or even thousands of percent above original costs.

Support for the bill is growing among entertainment fans who are tired of being priced out of experiencing their favorite artists and performers. By introducing this consumer-friendly legislation, Haney is sending a clear message that fan experiences should take priority over corporate profit margins.

As the bill moves through the California legislative process, music and entertainment lovers across the state will be watching closely to see if this potential game-changing legislation becomes law.