StubHub Lobbying Spend Hits $3.4M as California Kills Ticket Resale Cap

California’s attempt to rein in predatory ticket scalping is dead for the year. AB 1720, known as the California Fans First Act and introduced by San Francisco Assemblymember Matt Haney, was held on the Senate Appropriations Committee's suspense file on August 13. The bill would have capped ticket resales at 10% above face value for independent venues under 3,000 capacity. According to reporting by Music Business Worldwide, the bill's demise coincided with massive corporate lobbying. State filings reviewed by The Hollywood Reporter show StubHub spent a staggering $3.4 million on California lobbying this calendar year alone, with $2.6 million of that dropped between April and June. The state's Department of Finance opposed the bill, citing enforcement costs starting at $1.6 million. But let’s be clear: when a resale giant drops millions to protect its margins, the public interest doesn't stand a chance. It is a stark reminder that in the live entertainment business, policy is bought, not built for the average fan. While AB 1720 is dead for this two-year session, its companion ticketing measure, AB 1349, was released from suspense and now proceeds to a Senate vote. Haney will have to wait until the Legislature reconvenes in December to introduce a new resale cap bill. California music fans can track the progress of the surviving companion bill, AB 1349, as it heads to the Senate floor for a vote.