Oregon Lawmakers Consider Bill to Ban Speculative Ticket Sales

The proposed legislation aims to protect consumers from fake event tickets.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 9:47pm

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Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban resellers or people affiliated with resellers from offering event tickets they don't actually have, unless they have a written contract to obtain the ticket from an initial sale. The bill, which has bipartisan support, comes as several other states have passed similar restrictions on speculative ticket sales in recent years.

Why it matters

The bill is intended to address the growing problem of consumers unknowingly purchasing fake event tickets from resellers. Arts and culture venue managers have testified that this deceptive practice happens for every event they announce, with online listings for tickets that haven't yet been made available and prices much higher than the actual price.

The details

House Bill 4024 would prohibit resellers or people affiliated with resellers from offering event tickets they don't actually have, unless they have a written contract to obtain the ticket from an initial sale. The bill advanced on a 7-3 committee vote and is now headed to the full Oregon House for a vote.

  • The bill was introduced in the Oregon legislature in February 2026.

The players

Rep. Pam Marsh

The Democratic representative from Ashland who is the sponsor of the bill.

Marney Smith

An owner and general manager of Hayden Homes Amphitheater, a popular venue in Bend, Oregon, who testified in favor of the bill.

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What they’re saying

“Someone in my district paid $3,000 for two tickets to see Willie Nelson at the Britt. They turned out to be speculative. Up north, a Portland resident spent $446 for tickets purchased through a reseller to see a live performance of 'Wicked.' When she arrived at Keller Auditorium, people with the real tickets were already in those seats.”

— Rep. Pam Marsh, Bill Sponsor

“This deceptive practice happens for every single show we announce at the venue.”

— Marney Smith, Owner and General Manager, Hayden Homes Amphitheater

What’s next

The bill will now go to a vote in the full Oregon House after advancing from the House Commerce and Consumer Protection committee.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation in Oregon aims to crack down on the growing problem of speculative ticket sales, which have left many consumers unknowingly purchasing fake event tickets at inflated prices. If passed, the bill could serve as a model for other states looking to protect their residents from this deceptive practice.