Key Takeaways
- The DC Council has unanimously approved The RESALE Act, a comprehensive ticketing regulation bill.
- Key measures include a 10% resale cap and mandatory licensing for resellers advertising more than 50 tickets annually.
- Advocates hope the legislation will set a model for other jurisdictions to follow.
The DC Council has passed one of the most comprehensive ticketing regulation bills in the country, known as The RESALE Act. This bill, championed by councilmember Charles Allen, includes several consumer protections aimed at curbing inflated prices and fraudulent practices.
Among the measures introduced are a resale cap of 10% on concert tickets, requiring ticket resellers to acquire a license if they advertise more than 50 tickets in a year. These provisions aim to increase oversight and accountability within the secondary marketplace.
According to Audrey Fix Schaefer, board president of NIVA’s communications team for I.M.P., 9:30 Club, and The Anthem in D.C., the RESALE Act will provide significant benefits. She states, 'We hope this legislation will become model legislation throughout the land.'
The bill also mandates that any ticket reseller advertising 50 or more tickets annually must register with the district and obtain a license. This requirement is expected to inform buyers whether they are purchasing from professional resellers or casual fans.
Additionally, the RESALE Act ensures transparency by obligating sellers to provide the original price of primary tickets for purchasers to view. Councilmember Allen noted in a statement that 'People are sick of big tech wringing more and more money out of them.'
The legislation includes provisions against surveillance pricing, which prevents ticket sellers from using consumers' personal data to manipulate or personalize prices. This measure aims to protect consumer privacy and ensure fair practices.
As of June 2026, 20 states across the U.S. have introduced similar legislation on resale and speculative ticketing. However, D.C.’s RESALE Act includes additional laws not typically seen in other bills around the country, such as increased oversight through licensing registrations.
Councilmember Allen stated, 'DC is a leader here and I expect many other jurisdictions to step up.' This sentiment reflects the broader impact of the bill on the ticketing industry and consumer protection.
People are sick of big tech wringing more and more money out of them.
Councilmember Charles Allen, Author of The RESALE Act
We hope this legislation will become model legislation throughout the land.
Audrey Fix Schaefer, Board president, NIVA’s communications team for I.M.P., 9:30 Club and The Anthem in D.C.
