Committee hears bill to curb exploitative promoter fees for entry-level performers

At a first hearing, Representative (author of HB 1400) introduced House Bill 1400 (LC620388), which the author described as a consumer-protection measure aimed at preventing promoters from charging performers fees without delivering the promised audience. The bill, the author said, would structure fair practices for promoters and define when talent agencies, nonprofits and municipalities are treated differently.

Describing the problem, the author gave an example of an entry-level artist charged $500 to perform for a 30-person venue and said promoters then sell additional spots, turning a small event into a lucrative take for the promoter. "This promoter says, I'm gonna put you on the show. And the venue was about 30 seats... He also goes back and charges 9 additional people. Well, he just made about $5,000," the author said, illustrating the complaint the bill seeks to address.

Committee members probed whether the bill requires promoters to be licensed and whether licensing should be handled at the municipal or state level. Representative Epstein and others noted some municipalities (the author cited Savannah) require promoter registration or business licensing; committee members observed that municipal rules vary and that a state-level licensing requirement is not explicit in the bill text. The chair noted the bill as introduced appears to focus on licensed talent agents; members recommended clarifying definitions and adding objective criteria for licensure or business registration, for example residency, revenue projections or municipal business licensing requirements.

One member said the draft reads in places like a contractual framework and suggested adding clearer criteria for what constitutes a licensed promoter; the author indicated receptiveness to adding an amendment requiring promoters to be licensed in Georgia and to refining the statutory language to better protect artists.

Next steps: Committee indicated follow-up work is needed; the author said staff would draft amendments and the committee will reconvene for another hearing early next week before crossover.