San Diego, February 6, 2026
California’s Assembly Bill 1720, led by Assemblymember Matt Haney, aims to cap resale prices of concert and live event tickets at 10% above face value. This legislation responds to growing concerns over price gouging by ticket brokers, promoting fair access to the arts for average consumers. By focusing on concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical productions, the bill seeks to create a more equitable ticketing landscape and foster local cultural engagement, with potential implications for broader consumer protection trends across states.
California’s Fans First Act Could Change Ticket Resale Landscape
New legislation aims to cap concert and event ticket prices, promoting accessibility for fans.
San Diego, California – The introduction of Assembly Bill 1720, also known as the California Fans First Act, reflects a growing concern for consumer rights in the live entertainment sector. Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) is spearheading this initiative, which seeks to cap resale prices for concert and live event tickets at no more than 10% above their original face value. Such efforts showcase notable progress in ensuring that fans have fair access to the vibrant cultural activities that California offers, while minimizing the impact of ticket brokers and resale platforms that have long been critiqued for price gouging.
This bill addresses the realities of modern ticket purchasing, where automated bots and professional scalpers severely inflate prices, often placing beloved concerts and theatrical productions out of reach for average consumers. As California navigates these waters, proponents believe that reduced bureaucracy could foster innovative solutions to streamline access to live entertainment, benefitting both the audience and the local arts community.
Examining the Legislation
The California Fans First Act specifically targets concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical productions, with a conscious exclusion of sporting events, acknowledging the unique aspects of various entertainment sectors. This selective approach aims to bring fairness back into ticketing, positioning legislation as a protective measure for both fans and local artists alike.
A Historical Perspective on Ticket Regulation
Historically, California has made several attempts to regulate ticket resale practices. Previous initiatives such as Assembly Bill 1349 sought to ban speculative ticketing and increase transparency from secondary ticketing platforms. However, past efforts have encountered significant hurdles in terms of enforcement and have left many consumers frustrated with inflated ticket prices. The introduction of AB 1720 marks a renewed commitment to addressing these challenges head-on and protecting the rights of consumers.
Lessons from Other Regions
The inclination to regulate ticket resale practices is not limited to California. In 2025, Maine enacted a law capping resale prices at 10% above their face value, while the United Kingdom has initiated measures to prohibit resale above the original ticket price. These actions reflect a broadening sentiment across various jurisdictions, indicating a purposeful trend toward consumer protection in the ticketing industry and underscoring the importance of making live events accessible to a wider audience.
Anticipated Impacts on Local Culture
If successful, the California Fans First Act has the potential to make a substantial impact on San Diego’s vibrant live music scene and local small businesses. By curtailing exorbitant resale prices, the legislation aims to ensure that average consumers can enjoy the full breadth of cultural experiences that the region has to offer. This focus on accessibility emphasizes the importance of community engagement, where local leadership can step up to support initiatives that promote a thriving artistic environment.
Conclusion: A Step Forward for Fans
As Assembly Bill 1720 undergoes review, it has already sparked discussions about how best to balance consumer rights with market freedoms. This initiative represents an opportunity to set a precedent for other states considering similar measures to regulate ticket resale practices. Supporting local legislation like the California Fans First Act can help create a fairer and more equitable experience for fans, artists, and local businesses alike. Community members are encouraged to stay engaged in these developments and support initiatives that champion consumer rights and cultural access in San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Assembly Bill 1720?
Assembly Bill 1720, known as the California Fans First Act, is proposed legislation introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney to cap the resale price of concert and live event tickets at no more than 10% above their original face value.
Which events are affected by this bill?
The bill specifically targets concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical productions, excluding sporting events.
What problem does this bill aim to address?
The bill seeks to combat price gouging by ticket brokers and resale platforms, ensuring that live music remains accessible to fans by preventing inflated resale prices.
Has California attempted similar legislation before?
Yes, previous efforts, such as Assembly Bill 1349, aimed to ban speculative ticketing and require greater transparency from secondary ticketing platforms. However, these initiatives faced challenges in enforcement and did not fully address inflated resale prices.
Have other jurisdictions implemented similar measures?
Yes, Maine passed a law in 2025 capping resale prices at 10% above face value. Additionally, the United Kingdom announced plans in November 2025 to make it illegal for tickets to be resold for more than their original face value.
Key Features of Assembly Bill 1720
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Legislation Name | California Fans First Act |
| Introduced By | Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) |
| Bill Number | AB 1720 |
| Proposed Cap | Resale price capped at no more than 10% above original face value |
| Targeted Events | Concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical productions (excluding sporting events) |
| Objective | Combat price gouging by ticket brokers and resale platforms, ensuring live music remains accessible to fans |
| Current Status | Under review; if passed, could set a precedent for other states considering similar measures |
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