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.