Hiner Updates House Tech Committee on Changes to Bill Combatting Fraud in Ticket Sales
Rep. Mark Hiner (R-Howard) gave a second round of sponsor testimony to the House Technology and Innovation Committee Tuesday on his HB563 regarding fraudulent ticket sales, as not all members were present for the first hearing and Chair Thad Claggett (R-Newark) had requested a broader focus for the bill to address other forms of online fraud. (See The Hannah Report, 11/13/25.)
Hiner discussed the overall issue of online ticket scams as he did in his initial November testimony, saying it costs event venues hundreds of thousands of dollars a year and that is particularly damaging for small venues. The bill would close current loopholes that enable online impersonation of legitimate sellers while ensuring a “clear distinction between fraud and legitimate resale,” he continued.
Hiner’s office has met with venues, ticketing platforms and industry representatives since the Nov. 13 first hearing, and he said those conversations were “productive and have provided valuable feedback.”
“As a result, we are preparing an amendment that we expect to submit to the committee soon. It will include adjustments to better conform with federal trade policy, along with several technical refinements. Importantly, these changes do not alter the intent of the bill. The goal remains the same: to protect consumers and ensure a fair, transparent ticket marketplace,” Hiner continued.
Claggett said this was an example of good committee work and asked Hiner to discuss the conversations he’s had on the bill in more detail. Hiner said he spoke to Mastercard and received data showing online ticket fraud increased approximately 30 percent from January to December 2024 but declined “materially” in 2025 due to greater federal enforcement, increased adoption of mobile-first and dynamic QR code tickets and broader implementation of other authentication measures. Hiner also said some elements related to that may not be ones that can be legislated but he’s open to further input from the industry.
Claggett encouraged the committee to consider those issues of payments and fraudulent activity as it relates to other areas as well.
Ranking Member Ismail Mohamed (D-Columbus) asked whether the bill sets limits on prices charged by third-party resellers. Hiner said it doesn’t currently have such limits and he wanted to leave that to the marketplace.
Rep. Christine Cockley (D-Columbus) asked if the amendment would focus on definitions, disclosures or accountability. Hiner said it would include all of those though it hasn’t been sent for drafting yet and that the bill has sparked “a lot of response from the industry, as it should.” Part of the work includes ensuring HB563 doesn’t create any conflicts between state law and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requirements, he added.
Claggett said he would wait to hear from Hiner about the bill and proceed accordingly.