Minnesota Enacts 'Taylor Swift Bill' For Ticket Transparency

Minnesota has entered a new era of ticket regulation with the signing of a bill inspired by Taylor Swift aimed at increasing transparency in the ticket sales process. Democratic Governor Tim Walz signed the "Taylor Swift Bill" into law on May 7 at the iconic Minneapolis music venue First Avenue. The legislation was introduced following the chaotic ticket sales for Swift's Eras Tour in 2022, which left thousands of fans frustrated with deceptive pricing, long wait times, and lost tickets.

"This is about fairness," Governor Walz emphasised during the press conference. "I'm really proud of Minnesota, once again, standing up for consumer rights." Minnesota now joins a growing list of states that have enacted similar laws in response to widespread issues experienced during ticket purchasing across the country.

Minnesota Enacts 'Taylor Swift Bill' For Ticket Transparency

The new law, House File 1989, cleverly named after one of Taylor Swift's hit albums and birth year, aims to protect not only the star's devoted fans but all individuals attending live entertainment or sporting events in the state. The law introduces several consumer protections and transparency measures for ticket sellers, including major platforms like Ticketmaster and SeatGeek:

1. All-In Ticketing Requirement: Ticketing websites must disclose the total ticket price upfront, including all fees. Governor Walz highlighted that while ticket prices may appear higher, this change ensures consumers see the total cost upfront, eliminating surprise fees at checkout.

2. Ban on Deceptive Resale Sites: The law prohibits deceptive resale sites that mimic primary sellers, preventing consumers from unknowingly purchasing from unauthorised sources.

3. Ban on Speculative Ticketing: Secondary ticket sellers are barred from listing tickets they do not possess, reducing the risk of buyers being left without valid tickets.

4. Penalties for Ticket Bot Purchasing: The law penalises the use of bots to purchase tickets, aiming to prioritise genuine fans over automated systems.

What Happened During the Eras Tour?

Democratic State Representative Kelly Moller from Shoreview shared her experience, echoing the frustrations of many across the country who struggled to secure tickets for the Eras Tour. Swift's two sold-out shows at US Bank Stadium drew massive crowds of over 70,000 each night.

Buyers encountered skyrocketing prices, with some tickets being resold for up to 70 times their original value at checkout. Others faced lengthy wait times and lost their spots to other buyers during the purchasing process.

The new legislation seeks to remove these barriers for Minnesota consumers when accessing live events and will take effect in January 2025. Representative Moller described the current legislative period as the "Midnight Era," with less than two weeks remaining before the session ends. She anticipates that several more bills will make their way to the governor's desk in the coming days.