Assembly OKs New Penalties for Ticket Brokerage Firms

The Assembly has passed and sent to Gov. Pete Wilson a bill increasing penalties for ticket brokers who fail to deliver tickets at previously agreed upon prices for events such as the Rose Bowl football game and rock concerts.

A 44-31 lower house vote was cast on the measure (AB 2513) sponsored by Assemblywoman Debra Bowen (D-Marina del Rey). It previously passed the Senate on a 23-10 vote.

The legislation provides that any ticket broker who cannot deliver a promised ticket at the contracted price would be liable for 200% of the price, plus out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the purchaser in attending or attempting to attend the event. Current law provides that consumers can only get their money back.

“Most ticket brokers are honest and deliver a service that people are willing to pay for,” Bowen said, “but those ticket brokers that can’t deliver on what they promise and are flat-out ripping off consumers must be held accountable.”

ASSEMBLY

Floor Action

* Gambling: Passed and sent to the governor on a 45-28 vote a bill (AB 3384) by Assemblywoman Julie Bornstein (D-Palm Desert) permitting the governor to negotiate compacts with Indian tribes to permit casino-type gambling on tribal lands.

* Unlicensed Drivers: Passed and sent to the governor on a 49-19 vote a bill (AB 3148) by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar) allowing police to confiscate vehicles of unlicensed drivers if they have a prior conviction for driving with a suspended or revoked license.

* Arson Fires: Passed and sent to the governor on a 74-0 vote a bill (AB 2336) by Katz that creates a statewide computer system to help local fire and police officials catch and prosecute arsonists.

* Confiscated Guns: Passed and sent to the governor on a 41-35 vote a bill (AB 1333) by Assemblyman Mike Gotch (D-San Diego) requiring police to destroy confiscated guns rather than sell them.

* Tax Board Merger: Passed and sent to the governor on a 70-0 vote a bill (AB 15) by Assemblyman Johan Klehs (D-San Leandro) abolishing the State Franchise Tax Board and transferring its duties to the State Board of Equalization.

* Super Scoopers: Passed and sent to the governor on a 70-3 vote a bill (AB 2802) by Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman (D-Brentwood) allowing the state to lease two so-called super scooper aircraft that swoop low over lakes and rivers and pick up water to be used to fight brush fires.

SENATE

Floor Action

* Abortion Clinics: Passed and sent to the governor on a 23-12 vote a bill (AB 600) by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier (D-Burlingame) allowing anti-abortion protesters to be sued for blockading health clinics.

* Unemployment Insurance: Passed and sent to the governor on a 22-15 vote a bill (AB 2867) by Assemblywoman Juanita McDonald (D-Carson) increasing the maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefit from $230 to $245 per week.

* Domestic Violence: Passed and sent to the governor on a 21-13 vote a bill (SB 1278) by Sen. Gary K. Hart (D-Santa Barbara) prohibiting anyone confined by a domestic violence restraining order from owning or possessing a firearm under certain circumstances while the order is in effect.