Full Breakdown
California's Fans First Act Aims to Curb Ticket Scalping
4/11/2026, 6:13:32 AM
The Core Issue: Ticket Scalping at Coachella
As the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival returns, ticket prices on secondary markets have surged dramatically, with general admission passes selling for between $4,000 and $5,000, far exceeding the original price of $649. This situation has prompted California Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) to introduce the California Fans First Act (AB 1720), which seeks to combat ticket scalping by prohibiting the resale of tickets at more than 10% above their face value.
Legislative Response to a Broken Market
Haney's bill is part of a broader movement among several states, including New York, to address perceived injustices in the ticketing industry. The legislation comes in the wake of a recent settlement between the U.S. Department of Justice and Live Nation, which allows the company to maintain control over Ticketmaster. Haney argues that the current ticket market is dominated by speculators rather than genuine fans, leading to exorbitant prices that make attending events like Coachella financially prohibitive for many.
Perspectives on the Ticketing Crisis
Critics of the current ticketing system, including Haney, assert that scalpers exploit the high demand for popular events, creating an artificial scarcity that drives prices up. “We’ve allowed live events to be dominated by speculators who aren’t fans,” Haney stated, emphasizing the need for legislative action to protect consumers. He believes that if ticket prices were regulated, more fans would have access to affordable tickets.
However, the issue is complex. Some argue that artists and promoters also contribute to high ticket prices through their pricing strategies. Haney acknowledges this, suggesting that if demand is high, the revenue should benefit the artists and those involved in the event rather than scalpers. He advocates for a system where the resale market is regulated to prevent exploitation.
Broader Implications of the Fans First Act
If passed, the California Fans First Act would align California's ticket resale practices with those in several European countries that have already implemented similar restrictions. Haney envisions California leading the way in reforming the ticket market, which he describes as integral to the state's cultural identity and economy. “There is no California without creators and culture and music,” he remarked, highlighting the urgency of the legislation.
Conflicting Views on Scalping Legislation
While the proposed bill has garnered support from many fans and advocates, there are dissenting opinions regarding its effectiveness. Some industry experts argue that capping resale prices may not fully address the underlying issues of high ticket prices and that a comprehensive approach is needed to reform the ticketing landscape.
What's Next for the California Fans First Act
The California Fans First Act is currently progressing through the Assembly, with its future uncertain. As states continue to explore legislative solutions to the ticketing crisis, the outcome of this bill could set a precedent for how ticket sales and resales are managed across the United States.
Verbatim Quotes
“If people are willing to pay a lot to see a performance,” Haney said, “Those dollars should go to the artist, to folks who work at the event.” — Matt Haney, California Assemblymember
“We’ve got to address monopolies and ridiculous fees in direct ticket sales, but we also can’t allow scalpers to buy up tickets to profit off the art of others.” — Matt Haney, California Assemblymember
“Right now, we’re losing on both fronts.” — Matt Haney, California Assemblymember
