SB197 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Ticket websites, prohibit unauthorized web developers from creating websites with web addresses containing name of venue, artist, or show

Summary

SB 197 would bar unauthorized ticket websites from using domain names that include venue, artist, or show names and impose misdemeanor penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill would prohibit ticket websites from using a domain or sub-domain that contains the name of a venue, a performer, or a show without authorization. It allows an exception for operators who are authorized by the venue or an authorized ticketing agency to act on its behalf. Violations would be Class B misdemeanors, with each domain-based offense and each receipt of purchase funds being a separate offense, and the law would take effect three months after passage and Governor approval. The bill also states it is exempt from certain local-fund approval requirements because it creates or changes a crime.

Who It Affects

• Ticket website operators and businesses that sell or resell event tickets: could be charged with Class B misdemeanors for using unauthorized domain names containing venue, artist, or show names; each violation is a separate offense.
• Venues, performing artists/exhib exhibitors, and authorized ticketing agencies: may grant authorization to a website operator to use names on domain URLs; if authorized, the prohibition would not apply to that operator.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits intentionally creating or maintaining a ticket website with a URL domain or sub-domain that contains the name of a venue, an exhibition or performance, or a similar descriptor without authorization.
• An exception allows authorization by the venue or authorized ticketing agency to act on its behalf.
• Violations are Class B misdemeanors, with each violation of the domain-name restriction and each receipt of purchase funds treated as separate offenses.
• Defines terms: ticket website, URL, venue, and website operator.
• Declares the bill is excluded from certain local-fund expenditure requirements because it defines or amends a crime.
• Effective date: the first day of the third month after passage and Governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Venue