Members weigh exemptions, cap and venue rules in H.512 ticketing bill

The committee received an update on H.512, proposed legislation to regulate event ticketing and resale pricing.

A committee member said testimony largely supported the bill but highlighted Senator Chittenden's suggested changes: creating an exemption for individuals who resell a small number of tickets (the example given was fewer than 10), clarifying the definition of ticket resellers (distinguishing individuals from commercial resellers), raising the allowable price cap to 120%, and specifying that the cap apply only to Vermont venues. "We propose raising the price cap to 120%, and specify that the price cap applies to tickets at Vermont venues and not out of state venues," the member said.

Members discussed whether the cap should be measured against face value or the total purchase price (including fees) and whether attorney general guidance is needed to validate an in-state distinction. One member emphasized including marketplace fees in the "original price" calculation to ensure the cap captures the full cost consumers pay.

The update included a proposed sunset provision (2030) to trial the cap. No formal vote occurred; members asked staff to circulate clearer draft language and consult legal counsel about jurisdictional distinctions.

Next steps: staff to obtain clarified language reflecting member concerns and await attorney general input on legal distinctions between Vermont and out-of-state transactions.