The Assembly Judiciary Committee convened on May 1, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 1349, aimed at addressing issues related to speculative ticketing in California. The meeting featured a range of stakeholders, including representatives from ticket resale companies, who voiced their concerns regarding the bill's current provisions.

Jamie Minor, representing StubHub, expressed opposition to the bill, emphasizing the importance of consumer rights in the ticketing process. He highlighted that the bill's definition of a ticket as a license could undermine consumers' ability to transfer tickets freely, a practice that is standard in states like New York. Minor argued that the bill could inadvertently reinforce monopolistic practices by major ticketing companies, limiting consumer options and protections.

Courtney Jensen from SeatGeek and Tish Rylander from Vivint Seats echoed similar concerns, stating their opposition unless amendments are made to better protect consumer rights while allowing legitimate secondary market practices to continue.

Assembly member Zibur supported the bill, recognizing its consumer protection intent and expressing confidence in the author's commitment to work with opposing parties to refine the legislation. Other committee members, including Assemblymember Pacheco and Assemblymember Hara Badian, also voiced their support, acknowledging the need for careful consideration of the bill's implications on competition and consumer rights.

The discussion highlighted the complexities of balancing consumer protection with the realities of the ticketing market, particularly in light of ongoing legal disputes in the industry. The committee members expressed a collective desire to ensure that the final legislation would not inadvertently strengthen existing monopolies while addressing the concerns raised by both supporters and opponents of the bill.

As the meeting concluded, the author of the bill, Senator O'Brien, reiterated the importance of resolving the issue of speculative ticketing, emphasizing that consumers should not be able to sell tickets they do not possess. The committee agreed to continue discussions and work towards amendments that would satisfy both consumer protection goals and the interests of the ticket resale market.