(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)
The consumer fraud act of “speculative ticketing” is being challenged by a new bill that is being presented by State Representative Rob Matzie, who is the majority chair of Pennsylvania’s House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee.

During a public hearing on Thursday, Matzie said that House Bill 1658 would impose penalties for the predatory practice, which misleads consumers into believing they have purchased a valid ticket when they have not done so. That often leaves them empty-handed and without recourse after a reseller who speculated they could obtain the ticket failed to do so.

The meeting included members of the music industry, whose testimonies lamented how the acts of speculative ticketing are harming not just the relationship between musicians and their fans, but also local businesses who benefit from additional presence during major events.