HOTDOG Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6859

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Commerce

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-12-18: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-01-21T18:58:16Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The HOTDOG Act (H.R. 6859) aims to address high and opaque pricing of food and drinks (concessions) at publicly subsidized sports stadiums, arenas, and similar venues. It directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate these practices to promote affordability, transparency, and fairness for consumers, recognizing that many such venues benefit from taxpayer funds.

Key Provisions

• Congressional Findings: The bill outlines that sports and concert venues often receive public funding (e.g., grants, tax credits, or bonds) but charge exorbitant concession prices—such as $16 beers at Madison Square Garden or $10 at Highmark Stadium—making events less accessible. It highlights "street pricing" models (aligning venue prices with local community rates) as a beneficial approach and emphasizes the need for clear pricing.
• FTC Study Requirement: Within 90 days of enactment, the FTC must conduct a nationwide study on concession pricing at a sample of "covered venues." The study must examine:
• Prices of food and drinks sold at these venues.
• Comparisons to prices of similar items at nearby bars and restaurants.
• Pricing methods, including dynamic pricing (prices that fluctuate based on demand), service fees, and promotions like value deals.
• Disclosure practices, such as listing prices online or at venue entrances before purchase.
• Consumer-friendly policies, like price caps (maximum limits on costs) or reduced-price menu options that balance affordability with operational costs.
• Report to Congress: Within one year of enactment, the FTC must submit a report detailing study results and recommendations for laws, regulations, or industry changes to enhance affordability and transparency.
• Definitions:
• Covered Venue: A stadium or arena hosting professional sports, music concerts, or similar events at least 5 days per year; built or run with public subsidies; requiring paid tickets; and selling food/drinks.
• State: Includes all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, territories, possessions, and federally recognized Indian tribes.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces no direct amendments to current laws but mandates a new FTC study and report, which could inform future consumer protection rules. It builds on the FTC's existing authority to investigate unfair or deceptive practices under laws like the Federal Trade Commission Act, without altering those statutes.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The FTC will face added workload for the study and report, potentially leading to new enforcement priorities or collaborations with state/local governments on subsidy oversight.
• Citizens: Fans and attendees at events could benefit from greater price transparency and possible future affordability measures, reducing the financial burden of high concession costs alongside ticket prices.
• International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. venues.
• Broader Effects: If recommendations lead to action, it could encourage "street pricing" adoption, lowering costs for average families and boosting attendance at taxpayer-supported events.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Consumers/Fans: Primary beneficiaries, gaining insights into pricing and potential protections against overpriced concessions.
• Venue Owners and Operators: Subject to scrutiny; may need to adjust pricing or disclosure practices based on study outcomes.
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Responsible for conducting the study and reporting to Congress.
• Local and State Governments: Affected through their role in providing subsidies; could influence future funding decisions for venues.
• Sports Leagues and Entertainment Industry: Entities like the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, and concert promoters may face pressure to implement fairer pricing.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces FTC's role in consumer protection by focusing on transparency in pricing, potentially setting precedents for regulating "drip pricing" (hidden fees) in entertainment. No challenges to constitutional rights, as it involves voluntary study rather than mandates.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's commerce clause authority to regulate interstate economic practices, without infringing on free speech or property rights.
• Political: Highlights bipartisan concern (introduced by a diverse group of representatives) over taxpayer value and consumer affordability in publicly funded venues, possibly sparking debates on subsidies for private profits and influencing election-year consumer issues. The report's recommendations could lead to follow-on legislation without immediate enforcement.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]

Cosponsors (9)

Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Ryan, Patrick [D-NY-18], Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3]

Recent Actions

• 2025-12-18: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-12-18: Introduced in House
• 2025-12-18: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Honest Oversight of Ticketed Dining and Onsite Grub Act — issued 2025-12-18 — PDF (5 pages)