Minnesota Enacts Taylor Swift Bill For Ticket Buyer Protection

Mike Dean and his two daughters – one wearing a shirt that says "A LOT going on at the moment" in a nod to Taylor Swift, and the other wearing a shirt that says "Iowa 22" in reference to basketball st

A new law in Minnesota aims to provide more transparency and protection for people purchasing tickets online for live events. Dubbed the 'Taylor Swift' bill, it was signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz, requiring ticket sellers to disclose all fees upfront and limiting resellers to selling only one copy of a ticket. The legislation was inspired by the challenges faced by many, including a legislator, in trying to secure tickets for Taylor Swift's 2023 concert in Minneapolis.

Under the new law, ticket buyers in Minnesota will have the assurance of knowing the full cost of their tickets before making a purchase. This measure also aims to prevent resellers from exploiting the system by selling tickets at inflated prices. The law will apply to tickets bought in Minnesota or other states for events held in Minnesota.

Supporters of the law highlight that Minnesota now joins a select few states, including Maryland, in implementing such protections for ticket buyers. The legislation comes in response to a past incident where Ticketmaster's system crashed due to high demand for Swift concert tickets, leading to frustration among buyers and attempts by bots to purchase tickets for resale.

Resellers limited to selling only one copy of a ticket.

Minnesota law requires upfront disclosure of ticket fees.

Legislation inspired by challenges securing Taylor Swift concert tickets.

Notable stakeholders in the ticketing industry, such as StubHub, have expressed support for the new law, emphasizing the importance of protecting fans from unfair practices. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2025, and will impact tickets sold on or after that date.

The signing of the bill at First Avenue, a renowned concert venue in downtown Minneapolis, marked a significant moment for those advocating for consumer rights in the ticketing industry. The law is seen as a step towards ensuring that ticket buyers are not misled or overcharged, bringing more transparency and fairness to the ticket purchasing process.

Overall, the 'Taylor Swift' law in Minnesota represents a positive development in safeguarding the interests of event attendees and addressing longstanding issues in the ticket resale market. By enacting these measures, the state aims to create a more equitable and consumer-friendly environment for purchasing tickets to live events.