AUTOMATED TICKET PURCHASE BAN
If enacted, HB5590 will significantly alter the landscape of online ticket sales by introducing strict penalties for those who violate these provisions. The Act empowers the Attorney General to investigate violations and seek injunctive relief, emphasizing the importance of integrity in the ticket purchasing process. The introduction of civil penalties serves as a deterrent against the use of bots, which have been criticized for monopolizing ticket access for events, leaving genuine consumers at a disadvantage.
House Bill 5590, known as the Prohibition on Automated Online Ticket Purchasing Act, seeks to regulate and prohibit the use of automated software programs, commonly referred to as bots, for the purchasing of event tickets online. The bill specifically targets practices such as purchasing tickets in excess of posted limits, using multiple accounts and IP addresses to bypass sales limits, and circumventing security measures meant to control access to tickets. This legislation aims to ensure fair access to ticket purchasing for consumers during online sales events.
While supporters argue that this bill will help to level the playing field for consumers and improve fairness in ticket sales, there may be concerns about its enforceability and the potential for overreach. Critics might argue that the bill could inadvertently impact legitimate sales practices or create challenges for businesses in managing ticket sales without the use of automated systems. Further discussions may be necessary to balance consumer protection with industry practices, ensuring that the bill achieves its intended goals without unintended consequences.