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Bill > SF49
IA SF49
IA SF49A bill for an act relating to the use or creation of bots to purchase event tickets on the internet, and providing civil penalties.(See SF 146.)
summary
Introduced
01/15/2025
01/15/2025
In Committee
01/15/2025
01/15/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to the use or creation of bots to purchase event tickets during internet sales. “Bot”, “event”, and “ticket” are defined by the bill. The bill prohibits a person from creating or using a bot to purchase tickets, or from using multiple internet protocol addresses, purchaser accounts, or electronic mail addresses to purchase tickets in excess of the posted limit for any one internet ticket sale. The bill also prohibits a person from creating or using a bot to circumvent or disable an electronic queue, waiting period, presale code, or other sales volume limitation system that is associated with an internet ticket sale, or from circumventing or disabling an access control system or other control or measure that is used to facilitate authorized entry to an event. The bill requires a ticket seller to report known violations of the bill’s provisions within five calendar days of becoming aware of the violation. Other individuals that have knowledge of a violation of the bill’s provisions may report the violation to the attorney general. The bill requires the attorney general to establish an electronic reporting system for the submission of reports. If the attorney general has reasonable belief that a person is in violation of the bill, the attorney general may bring civil action to enjoin further violations by the person, enforce compliance with the bill, assess a civil penalty in an amount not more than $10,000 for each violation, and other remedies permitted by law. If the attorney general has reasonable belief that a person is in violation of an injunction issued under the bill, the attorney general may bring civil action to provide for civil penalties in an amount not more than $100,000.
AI Summary
This bill establishes new regulations to prevent ticket scalping and unfair ticket purchasing practices through automated technology. The bill defines key terms such as "bot" (an automated software program that mimics human internet activity), "event" (a public performance or activity requiring admission), and "ticket" (a document granting event entry). It prohibits individuals from using bots or multiple digital identities to purchase tickets beyond posted sale limits, circumvent electronic queues or waiting periods, or disable security measures designed to manage ticket sales. Ticket sellers are required to report known violations to the attorney general within five days, and the attorney general is empowered to establish an electronic reporting system. If the attorney general believes a violation has occurred, they can take civil action to stop further violations, enforce compliance, and assess significant financial penalties—up to $10,000 per violation for initial infractions and up to $100,000 for violations of issued injunctions. The bill aims to create a more fair and transparent ticket purchasing environment by preventing automated systems from unfairly monopolizing ticket availability.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 146. S.J. 156. (on 01/28/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF49 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SF49.html |
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