The District of Columbia Council unanimously approved the RESALE Act on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, joining Vermont in capping concert ticket resale prices at 10% above face value. The measure also bans speculative ticketing, prohibits the use of buyers’ personal data to set individualized prices — a practice known as surveillance pricing — and requires anyone advertising the sale of more than 50 tickets annually to register with the District.

Councilman Charles Allen, who shepherded the legislation, said the measure was a direct response to years of escalating resale markups. “Ticket resellers have used technology and unrestrained profits to turn our live entertainment scene into the wild west” — Allen said.

What the Law Does

RESALE Act — Key Provisions

  • Resale price cap — Concert ticket resale is capped at 10% above the original face value
  • Speculative ticket ban — Brokers may not list tickets for events they do not yet possess
  • Surveillance pricing ban — Ticketers may not use buyers’ personal data to set individualized prices
  • Registration — Anyone advertising the sale of more than 50 tickets annually must register with D.C.
  • Effective date — January 1, 2027, pending mayoral approval and congressional review period

The act applies to concerts but not to sporting events. It now heads to Mayor Muriel Bowser for approval, which is expected. Under the District’s charter, legislation must then be submitted to Congress for a review period, though that power is rarely exercised.

Industry and Advocacy Response

Stephen Parker, Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association, called the measure a national benchmark. “Washington, D.C. has raised the bar for ticketing reform nationwide by establishing the strongest consumer protection framework in the country that should be replicated in every state,” Parker said in a statement.

D.C.'s move follows Vermont, which passed a similar law earlier this year capping resale at 110 percent of face value.

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