State Rep. Nancy Jenkins-Arno (R-Rollin Township) today introduced legislation to protect Michigan consumers from misleading practices in online ticket sales. The bill targets deceptive websites and hidden fees that often leave ticket buyers paying far more than expected.

“Buying tickets to a concert or sporting event should be simple,” said Jenkins-Arno. “Instead, too many people are misled by look-alike websites or hit with surprise charges that only appear at the very end of a purchase. This bill will put an end to those deceptive practices.”

House Bill 4755 would prohibit online ticket sellers from:

• Using an internet domain name or subdomain name in an operator or reseller’s URL if the domain name or subdomain name used contains the name of the place of entertainment, name of the event, name of individual or entity scheduled to perform at the event, or a name that is substantially similar to those names without prior written authorization
• Using, without prior written authorization, an internet website to display a text, image, graphic, design, or internet address that is substantially similar to an operator’s internet website that could mislead a potential purchaser
• Selling a ticket to an event without disclosing the total cost of the ticket, including the cost of any service charge or other fees that must be paid, or display service charges and fees less prominently than the total price of the ticket
• Making a false or misleading disclosure of subtotals, fees, charges, or any other component of the total ticket price
• Increasing the price of a ticket after the first time the price is displayed to the purchaser, with certain exceptions.

“This is a commonsense approach to ensuring Michigan families aren’t taken advantage of when purchasing tickets online,” said Jenkins-Arno. “People deserve to know exactly what they’re paying for and who they’re buying from.”