The US House of Representatives has passed the Ticket Act, although some critics aren’t convinced.

The US House of Representatives has taken another step toward cleaning up the live music ticketing system by passing the Ticket Act – again. Although a previous version of the bill was approved last May, it didn’t become law before the change in the US administration. Now, the legislation is back on the table, and while many welcome it, some say it doesn’t go far enough.

The Ticket Act aims to bring more fairness and transparency to ticket sales. It would require all-in pricing, meaning no more surprise fees at checkout. It also aims to tackle misleading reseller websites and ban certain forms of speculative ticketing, where sellers list tickets they don’t actually have. On top of that, it promises better enforcement of existing laws that target bots – software often used to buy up tickets before real fans get a chance.

However, the bill isn’t without criticism. One controversial detail is the inclusion of an exception for “ticket procurement” or “concierge” services. These are companies people can pay to secure tickets on their behalf. But critics argue this is just another form of speculative ticketing.

Independent venue association NIVA and the National Independent Talent Organization (NITO), which represents agents and managers, have both spoken out against this loophole. As NIVA’s executive director Stephen Parker put it, “Concierge services should not be a loophole for companies like Vivid Seats to claim they are offering a service while selling ‘tickets’ they don’t possess to unsuspecting fans.”

This is just the latest chapter in a long campaign to clean up the live event ticketing system in the US. A month ago, newly re-elected President Trump signed an executive order to crack down on ticket scalpers. Last year, music industry-backed coalition Fix the Tix pushed hard for the Ticket Act to be passed by congress, along with the Fans First Act, which also called for greater transparency around ticket fees as well as other terms and conditions around ticket reselling.

For independent musicians and fans alike, transparent ticket pricing and fair access to shows are crucial. This bill could be a step forward – but whether it’s actually enough remains to be seen.

Get more of the latest music industry news and updates by checking out the RouteNote blog.