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2024 SESSION

24101116D
HOUSE BILL NO. 277
Offered January 10, 2024
Prefiled January 5, 2024
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Title 59.1 a chapter numbered 38.3, consisting of sections numbered 59.1-466.9 and 59.1-466.10, relating to consumer protection; transparency in ticket fees; civil penalties.
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Patrons-- Helmer, Cohen, Krizek, Lopez and Tran
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Referred to Committee on Labor and Commerce
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Title 59.1 a chapter numbered 38.3, consisting of sections numbered 59.1-466.9 and 59.1-466.10, as follows:

CHAPTER 38.3.
TICKET FEE TRANSPARENCY ACT.

§ 59.1-466.9. Price on face of ticket required to be price charged.

A. For purposes of this chapter, "event" means the same as that term is defined in § 59.1-466.5.

B. Every ticket of admission or other evidence of right of entry to an event for admission, to which a price is charged, shall bear on its face the price charged for such ticket or other evidence of right of entry by the person issuing the same or causing the same to be issued.

§ 59.1-466.10. Enforcement; civil penalties.

A. The Attorney General may cause an action to be brought in the name of the Commonwealth to enjoin any violation of § 59.1-466.9 by any person and to recover a civil penalty in the amount of not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000 for each such violation. Civil penalties paid pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the Literary Fund.

B. In an action brought under this section, the Attorney General may recover damages and such other relief allowed by law, including restitution on behalf of consumers injured by violations of § 59.1-466.9.

C. In an action brought under this section, the Attorney General may recover reasonable expenses incurred in investigating and preparing the case, and attorney fees.

D. Whenever the Attorney General has reasonable cause to believe that any person has engaged in, is engaging in, or is about to engage in, any violation of § 59.1-466.9, the Attorney General is empowered to issue a civil investigative demand. The provisions of § 59.1-9.10 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to civil investigative demands issued pursuant to this section.

E. Nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting any private cause of action that may exist under any law of the Commonwealth.