The Assembly Judiciary Committee in California convened on May 1, 2025, to discuss critical issues affecting the arts community, particularly focusing on the proposed Assembly Bill 1349. The bill aims to address the challenges posed by the secondary ticket market, which has been a growing concern for artists and nonprofit venues across the state.

Julie Baker, CEO of California Arts Advocates, testified on behalf of over 4,000 nonprofit performing arts organizations. She highlighted the significant economic impact these organizations have, employing nearly 40,000 individuals and serving millions of patrons annually. Baker emphasized that while secondary ticket platforms were initially designed for consumers to resell tickets, they have evolved into large businesses that profit from the productions without contributing to them. This has led to issues such as fraudulent listings and deceptive practices that confuse ticket buyers and harm the reputations of arts organizations.

Baker shared a specific example from the San Jose Symphony, where resellers purchased tickets and sold them at inflated prices, leaving families to pay hundreds of dollars over the original ticket price. She argued that AB 1349 would provide essential protections by prohibiting speculative ticket sales, banning impersonation websites, and ensuring price transparency. Baker urged the committee to support the bill to safeguard community arts programs and enhance consumer protection in California.

James Fauntleroy, a Grammy-winning artist and songwriter, also voiced his support for AB 1349. He underscored the negative impact of predatory ticket practices on both artists and fans. Fauntleroy, who has worked with numerous high-profile musicians, expressed that deceptive ticketing practices not only affect individual artists but also have broader implications for the entire arts community, including those employed in venues and related industries.

The discussions during the meeting underscored the urgent need for legislative action to protect the integrity of the arts sector in California. The committee's decision on AB 1349 could significantly influence the future of ticket sales and the overall health of the performing arts in the state.