Minnesota has passed its ‘Taylor Swift Bill’ that could soon become a blueprint for ticketing rules across the US.
The law, signed by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Tuesday, is designed to ensure greater transparency and protection for individuals purchasing online tickets for concerts, sports, and other live events.
Chapter 94 House File 1989 mandates ticket sellers to disclose all fees upfront, restricts resellers from selling more than one copy of a ticket, and applies to tickets purchased in Minnesota or other states for events taking place in Minnesota.
The law makes Minnesota one of the few states, alongside Maryland, to implement such protections for ticket buyers. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar last year introduced the Fans First Act, which would impose similarly stringent regulations on ticketing at a federal level.
Walz said: “Whether Minnesotans are selling out Target Center to cheer the Timberwolves on in the playoffs or catching a concert or a play downtown, they’re paying too many hidden fees while competing against exploitative third parties.
“This law will change that. We are protecting consumers and ensuring that Minnesotans can purchase tickets for their favourite events without having to empty their pockets.”
Klobuchar welcomes Minnesota’s bill
Walz signed the legislation into law at rock venue First Avenue in Minneapolis along with the bill authors, Senator Matt Klein and Representative Kelly Moller. The latter began developing the legislation after being unable to secure Taylor Swift tickets back in 2022.
Like the Minnesota law, the Fans First Act ensures fans know the total price of tickets, stops bad actors from using bots to buy tickets before real fans and bans other deceptive practices. In addition, the Fans First Act gives the FTC significant enforcement authority, requires refunds for canceled shows, and allows fans that buy resold tickets to opt-in to get communications about safety and scheduling.
Klobuchar said: “Buying a ticket to see your favourite artist in concert is like going through a gauntlet for too many Americans, and it’s hurting both fans and artists.
“With this legislation, Minnesota is leading the country in improving the ticketing experience but more must be done at the federal level to strengthen these protections. That’s why I continue to push for my Fans First Act with Senator Cornyn to increase transparency in ticket sales and enact other common sense safeguards. Our bill has growing support, including hundreds of major musicians, and I will keep working to pass this legislation.”
Last month, Billie Eilish, Green Day and Cyndi Lauper were just some of the artists that signed a letter in support of the Fans First Act.
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