Noah Kahan Supports Massachusetts Bill to Cap Ticket Resale Prices

Key Takeaways

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey introduces The Great Divide Act, capping resale prices at 110% of face value.
The bill also limits secondary ticketing platform fees to no more than 10% of the total price.
Noah Kahan, who recently headlined four consecutive sold-out shows in Boston, endorses the legislation.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has introduced a new bill aimed at curbing high ticket resale prices and fees. The proposed legislation, named 'The Great Divide Act,' seeks to cap resale prices of concert tickets at 110% of their face value, while also limiting service fees imposed by secondary ticketing platforms to no more than 10% of the total price.

Noah Kahan, a prominent musician and artist, has lent his support to this initiative. Speaking virtually from his home, Kahan expressed enthusiasm for the bill, stating: 'I love my fans and want to protect them however I can.'

Kahan's endorsement comes after he made history by headlining four consecutive sold-out shows at Fenway Park in Boston. His involvement highlights the growing concern among artists about the impact of ticket scalping on their fan base.

The proposed legislation is part of a broader effort to address issues related to secondary market ticketing. In May, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed a similar bill into law, making it the second state after Maine to pass such legislation. More than 20 other states are currently considering similar measures this year.

Under Governor Healey's proposal, the resale cap would apply to all events unless an artist or venue explicitly authorizes a higher cap through a written agreement. The bill also aims to address issues related to ticket transfers and ensure that buyers receive their tickets as expected.

The introduction of this legislation follows recent actions in Washington, D.C., where the city council passed the RESALE Act, which would regulate the ticketing market within the nation's capital. These developments suggest a growing consensus among policymakers about the need for greater regulation in the secondary ticketing industry.

Kahan's support for the bill underscores his commitment to fan engagement and fair practices. His advocacy reflects a broader trend among artists who are increasingly vocal about the challenges faced by their fans when purchasing tickets through secondary markets.