In a recent government meeting, lawmakers discussed House Bill 5661, which aims to combat the misuse of bots in online ticket sales for entertainment events. The proposed legislation seeks to prohibit individuals from using automated programs to purchase tickets beyond established limits, circumvent security measures, or exploit multiple accounts to secure tickets for resale at inflated prices.

The issue has gained prominence due to widespread complaints from consumers who struggle to obtain tickets for popular events, only to find them resold at exorbitant prices. A notable example highlighted was the resale of tickets for Taylor Swift's ERAS tour, originally priced between $250 and $500, which were listed for as much as $17,000. Ticketmaster reported that their website experienced a surge of 14 million hits during a presale event, far exceeding the 1.5 million fans it was intended to accommodate, attributing the chaos to bot activity.

The bill would empower the Michigan Attorney General to investigate and take civil action against those misusing bots, a move seen as essential for protecting consumers and ensuring fair access to tickets. Lawmakers emphasized that while bot usage is illegal under both federal and state laws, enforcement has been challenging. The legislation aims to provide clearer pathways for accountability and cooperation between ticket platforms and enforcement agencies.

Support for the bill was echoed by representatives from StubHub, who argued that the legislation would enhance consumer protections and promote a competitive marketplace. They noted that strong enforcement of existing laws requires collaboration between ticket sellers and authorities to effectively address the issue of bot usage.

The discussion underscored the importance of preemptive measures to deter illegal ticket purchasing practices, with lawmakers expressing hope that Michigan could become a model for other states in addressing this growing concern. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue refining the legislation to better serve consumers and the entertainment industry.