Relating to prohibitions in connection with ticket sales on an Internet website; providing a civil penalty.
If enacted, SB1639 will amend the Business and Commerce Code to include a new chapter focusing on the online sale of event tickets. The law will empower the Texas Attorney General to investigate violations and impose civil penalties against entities found to be using bots in the ticket purchasing process. The penalties can be significant, with individual violations leading to fines of up to $10,000, and violations of court orders potentially resulting in fines as high as $100,000. As a result, the bill aims to discourage practices that unfairly disadvantage consumers trying to purchase tickets for popular events.
Senate Bill 1639 aims to regulate the online sale of event tickets by prohibiting the use of automated software, known as bots, that can manipulate ticket purchasing processes to acquire tickets in excess of specified limits. The bill establishes clear definitions for bots and event tickets, and outlines the prohibited activities related to ticket sales that utilize these automated systems. The intent of SB1639 is to create a fairer environment for ticket consumers, ensuring that tickets are accessible to everyone rather than being hoarded by those using automated tools.
During discussions, the sentiment surrounding SB1639 appeared to be largely supportive, with many legislators recognizing the need to address the issue of bots in ticket sales. Supporters argued that the bill is crucial for protecting consumers and ensuring equitable access to tickets. Critics, however, expressed concerns regarding the enforcement mechanisms and potential overreach, questioning whether the penalties outlined might deter legitimate sales practices. Nevertheless, the overall consensus leaned towards the necessity of protecting consumers from manipulative practices associated with automated ticket purchasing.
Despite the support for SB1639, discussions highlighted tensions regarding the balance between regulation and market practices. Some legislators questioned the efficacy of banning bots and expressed concerns that the bill could lead to unintended consequences in the ticketing industry. Notably, the distinction between malicious bot use and legitimate automated tools (like autofill functionalities) raised questions about enforcement and compliance. As the bill progressed through committee discussions, amendments were proposed to clarify these issues, reflecting the ongoing dialogue about fairness and regulation in the ticket sales market.