Minnesota House of Representatives Passes HF 657 Guaranteeing Fans’ Ownership of Tickets

03/27/2012

(March 27, 2012 – St. Paul) – Minnesota legislators stood up for fans today by passing House File 657 guaranteeing live event fans’ ownership rights over the tickets they purchase.

House File 657 protects the property rights of consumers and ensures that those rights cannot be infringed upon by restrictive ticketing practices. More and more ticket sellers, like Ticketmaster, along with venues, sports teams and concert promoters, are looking for ways to control tickets and keep their hands in the pockets’ of paying consumers. They have looked to restrictive tickets – which limit transferability – as a way to control the secondary ticket market, and fans themselves.

“By guaranteeing that fans own the tickets they buy, House File 657 protects the property rights of Minnesotans while also ensuring that they will not lose their money if work or family obligations keep them from attending an event,” said Jon Potter, president of the Fan Freedom Project, a consumer advocacy and education group. “The House vote today showed that Minnesota legislators are on the side of fans and the free market. Thanks to Rep. Joe Hoppe for his leadership in the House and we hope the Senate takes action on the bill shortly.”

Added Geoffrey Jarpe, a Twins season ticket holder, “Season tickets are not cheap and they represent the faith and commitment I have in my home teams. It is disappointing to me that ticket sellers and sports teams don’t have this same faith in the fans. I am very happy with our legislators for standing up for my rights and passing HF 657, I deserve to be able to give away or sell the season tickets I purchase.”