Bills would outlaw ticket-buying 'bots'

LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) - A Michigan senator has introduced legislation that would outlaw software used by scalpers to buy up popular tickets only moments after they go on sale online.

The package of bills -- Senate Bills 1186 and 1187 -- were introduced Thursday by Sen. Joe Hune (R-Hamburg Township).

SB 1186 and 1187 -- the Event Tickets Act -- were created in an effort to give Michigan fans access to popular shows before tickets disappear.

It happened in February when tickets to see Elton John at Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo went on sale. In that case, the show sold out in 20 minutes. The ticket prices then skyrocketed on third-party vendor sites. Originally, tickets sold for $39-139. On the other sites, they went for as much as $1,100.

SB 1186 would outlaw ticket-buying software called bots used by scalpers to purchase large amounts of tickets for a show in only seconds, blocking everyday fans from getting seats to shows.

If the bill becomes law, use of the bots could be punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.

SB 1187 would stop ticket-sellers from prohibiting ticket-buyers to transfer tickets to family or friends or to resell them, which some consumer-advocacy groups called a "restrictive" practice in Thursday releases.

The package of bills was referred to the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee.