The Assembly Judiciary Committee convened on May 1, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 1349, aimed at addressing the issue of speculative ticketing in California. The bill's primary objective is to ensure that ticket sellers either own the tickets or have a contractual right to sell them before listing on resale platforms.

The bill's sponsor emphasized the detrimental effects of speculative ticketing on consumers, highlighting that many fans are misled into purchasing tickets that sellers do not actually possess. This practice often results in fans paying inflated prices for tickets that may never materialize, leaving them empty-handed at events. The sponsor cited specific examples, including exorbitant prices for tickets to popular concerts, such as those for Taylor Swift and Eric Church, which are listed before official sales begin.

AB 1349 seeks to enhance transparency in the ticket resale market by mandating that sellers disclose seat locations and maintain records of sales. It also aims to combat fraudulent websites that mislead consumers by mimicking official platforms. The bill proposes increased penalties for violators to ensure consumer protection remains a priority.

The committee expressed support for the bill, with the sponsor indicating a willingness to accept amendments to strengthen its provisions. The discussions underscored a commitment to safeguarding consumers against deceptive practices in the ticketing industry. The committee will continue to review the bill as it moves forward in the legislative process.