Sec. 1. 8 MRSA c. 31 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 31

THEATRICAL EXHIBITIONS, SPORTING OR ATHLETIC EVENTS,

PUBLIC SHOWS AND PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS

§951.__Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1.__Public facility.__"Public facility" means any building or facility that is constructed in part or totally with funds from any source appropriated or allocated by a public entity.

2.__Service charge.__"Service charge" means any cost incurred related to the procurement and sale of a ticket by a ticket selling agency, including any charge for postage, long-distance telephone calls or fees attributable to extensions of credit.

3.__Ticket.__"Ticket" means evidence of the right to enter any theatrical exhibition, sporting or athletic event, public show, public amusement or exhibition of any description at a public facility.

§952.__Resale of tickets

1.__Violation.__A person may not resell a ticket for admission to any theatrical exhibition, sporting or athletic event, public show, public amusement or exhibition at a public facility at a price greater than $2 over the price printed on the face of the ticket.

2.__Exception.__A person may charge in excess of the amount permitted under subsection 1 if the charge is attributable to a service charge.

3.__Penalty.__A person who violates this section commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not less than $100 or more than $500 may be adjudged.

SUMMARY

This bill makes it unlawful to resell a ticket to a sporting event or other public entertainment at a public facility at an inflated price, a practice commonly known as "ticket scalping."