This article dives into California’s newest push to fight ticket scalping and protect fans. Two Assembly bills—AB 1349 and AB 1720—could change how resale tickets get listed and priced.
As Marin County locals head to shows from San Rafael to Sausalito, and all over Mill Valley, these proposals might shift what it costs to enjoy live music, theater, and community events.
Discover hand-picked hotels and vacation homes tailored for every traveler. Skip booking fees and secure your dream stay today with real-time availability!
Browse Accommodations Now
AB 1349 and AB 1720: The California Ticket-Resale Bills
The two measures are locked in a high-stakes battle over who really controls the secondary market for tickets. Fans in Tiburon and Larkspur have been pushing for fair pricing and real, transferable seats.
Marin County’s arts scene—from the Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium in San Rafael to smaller venues in San Anselmo—thrives on clear rules and safer ticket listings.
Both bills made it through Assembly committees, even with plenty of loud opposition. Supporters think the reforms could cut down on price gouging and fake tickets, but critics worry the changes might just help big companies and shrink consumer options.
AB 1349: The Speculative Ticket Ban
What it would do: AB 1349 aims to ban speculative tickets—those listings for tickets the seller doesn’t actually own yet. The bill wants to stop predatory markups and fake listings that trick fans from the hills to the coast of Marin County.
Why it matters for Marin fans: In towns like Novato and Corte Madera, families and students buy tickets for concerts, school shows, and fundraisers. Cutting fake listings could mean fewer heartbreaks and more chances to get real seats at checkout.
How it would work in practice: Sellers would have to actually own a ticket before putting it up for sale. This move blocks traders who post tickets they don’t hold in hopes of flipping them for profit.
AB 1720: The California Fans First Act
What it would do: AB 1720, known as the California Fans First Act, would cap resale markups at 10% above the original ticket price, including all fees. The idea is to keep prices fair and somewhat predictable for fans, while still letting people resell tickets if they need to.
Why it matters for Marin venues: Venues in Sausalito and Fairfax depend on steady crowds. A predictable resale market could help families and visitors actually plan for events, instead of worrying about wild last-minute price jumps.
Industry response: Live Nation backs both bills and calls them a win for consumer protection. The company says it controls less than 25% of the resale market and claims the reforms would protect both fans and artists. They’ve spent about $165,000 on lobbying this session.
Supporters, Opponents, and the Local Lens
As these bills wind through the legislature, Marin County folks are watching the debate in Sacramento and how lobbying might shape the final outcome. The arguments echo national headlines—like a federal jury calling Live Nation a monopoly in New York—but they also hit close to home for Marin’s culture and economy.
Backers and Advocates
- National Independent Venue Association backs the bills to protect smaller venues and give fans across Marin and the North Bay more predictable ticketing.
- Music Artists Coalition says the reforms help artists and touring acts by making ticket access fairer and cutting down on middlemen.
- Independent venues and smaller promoters around San Anselmo and Corte Madera hope for more transparent pricing and safer ticket transfers.
Opponents and Critics
- StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats push back. They argue the bills could entrench Live Nation’s dominance and limit consumer choice and ticket transferability.
- Some consumer advocates warn that price controls might reduce the number of tickets on the resale market. Others worry prices could shift into a less transparent space.
- In Marin’s neighborhoods—from Sausalito to San Rafael—local promoters feel uneasy about the impact on independent venues. These venues often rely on flexible resale markets to fill seats during slower seasons.
Lawmakers still can’t agree on how to balance protecting fans with keeping markets competitive. Marin County residents and businesses—from the farmers markets of San Anselmo to the performing arts centers along the 101 corridor—stand to feel the effects. The outcome could shape not just ticket prices, but access to the live experiences that really knit our communities together.
As the debate drags on in Sacramento, Marin’s venues and ticket buyers are watching. Everyone’s wondering if these reforms will mean more affordable, reliable, and real tickets for everything from community fundraisers in Mill Valley to headline shows in San Rafael.
Here is the source article for this story: Live Nation Is Supporting Two California Bills to Lower Prices. Can Fans Trust It?
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
