Bill > SB591

This bill establishes new regulations for online clothing sales by prohibiting the use of bots and other deceptive practices designed to unfairly purchase clothing from websites or applications. Specifically, the bill defines a "bot" as automated software that replicates human online activity and prohibits its use for purchasing clothing, using multiple IP addresses or accounts, circumventing sales volume limitations, or disabling security measures. The Texas Attorney General is empowered to investigate potential violations, bring injunctive actions, and seek civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, with each clothing purchase constituting a separate violation. Additional penalties of up to $50,000 can be imposed for violating court orders, and the Attorney General can recover investigation and legal costs. The law will apply to clothing purchases made on or after September 1, 2025, and is designed to prevent automated systems from unfairly monopolizing online clothing sales by circumventing intended purchasing restrictions. The bill aims to protect consumers and ensure fair access to limited or high-demand clothing items by preventing sophisticated automated purchasing systems from overwhelming online sales platforms.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB591