A bipartisan plan was introduced this week seeking to combat the use of automated bots in online ticket sales in order to increase consumer protections in Michigan. Dubbed the “Taylor Swift” bill, it addresses the rising tactics employed by ticket bot operators, particularly in securing sought-after tickets to events. The nickname is in reference to the Taylor Swift Eras tour where this was a major issue for residents seeking to buy tickets.
Key Points:
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- House Bills 5661 and 5662 were introduced by Representative Graham Filler (R-St. Johns) and Representative Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park).
- Under the proposal, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office would be empowered to pursue legal action against individuals or groups found guilty of circumventing online ticket purchasing limits through the use of automated bots.
- The legislation includes punitive measures, including fines of up to $5,000 per ticket fraudulently obtained.
- The plan builds upon previous changes in law in 2020.
Next Steps:
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- The bills were referred to the House Regulatory Reform Committee for consideration.
