SRC-SLL S.B. 710 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 710
By: Brown
Criminal Justice
3-11-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas does not prohibit the sale of tickets to any public
entertainment or amusement events for a price in excess of the ticket's
face value.  The demand for event tickets often leads to the resale of
tickets.  Often individuals will sell invalid tickets or sell tickets at
prices in excess of face value.  This practice may make it difficult for
patrons to purchase event tickets.  Complaints from fans and patrons have
resulted in some arena officials seeking assistance for local police
forces.  This bill will create an offense for the resale of certain
tickets for a price higher than that authorized by the event sponsor. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 710 creates an offense if a person resells certain
tickets for a price higher than that authorized by the event sponsor. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 35D, Business & Commerce Code, by adding Section
35.49, as follows: 

Sec. 35.49.  TICKET SCALPING.  Defines "event," "event sponsor,"
"nonprofit organization," and "resell."  Provides that this section
applies only to certain tickets. Prohibits a person from reselling or
offering to resell a ticket to a event for a price in excess of the price
authorized to be offered to the public by the event sponsor.  Provides
that a person commits a Class B misdemeanor if the person violates this
section. 

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.