Tester Announces Support for Bipartisan Bill to Protect Montana Consumers, Increase Transparency for Live Event Tickets

Bipartisan Fans First Act would reform live event ticketing, protect consumers, hold bad actors accountable

U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced his support for the bipartisan Fans First Act to increase transparency in ticket sales, protecting Montana consumers from fake or dramatically overpriced tickets, and hold bad actors who engage in illegal ticket sale practices accountable.     

“Far too many Montanans have been affected by the predatory practices of the ticketing system, whether that’s because of bots, scams, hidden fees, or price gouging – it’s hurting many of our state’s great venues, like the Pub Station in Billings, and it’s preventing Montanans from seeing their favorite teams and artists live,” Tester wrote. “I’m proud to support the Fans First Act to safeguard artists and their fans, and I will keep working to support our state’s live venues and ensure more Montanans can see their favorite teams and artists live right here in the Treasure State.” 

“We sincerely thank Senator Tester for co-sponsoring the Fans First Act,” said Sean Lynch, owner of the Pub Station. “This legislation would protect Montana venues like Pub Station from the fraudulent ticketing practices that harm our bottom line and drain money from our local economies. It would also bring much-needed transparency and fairness to the ticket-buying process for our fans. We truly appreciate Senator Tester’s commitment to a thriving live entertainment scene in Montana.” 

Tester has consistently led the charge to lower costs for consumers and small businesses in Montana. Tester championed the passage of his Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which is a fully paid for law providing targeted resources investing in paying down America’s debt, lowering costs for working families, and unleashing American energy production. He also recently announced that that the cost of 10 lifesaving prescription drugs will officially be lowered as a result of the first price negotiations authorized by his IRA.