Committee hears bills to curb ticket-buying bots, give attorney general civil enforcement powers

LANSING — The House Judiciary Committee on Thursday heard from sponsors and stakeholders on House Bills 4262 and 4263, legislation that would ban use of automated “bots” to buy event tickets and give the Michigan attorney general new civil enforcement tools.

The bills would bar use or creation of software that purchases tickets in excess of platform limits, uses multiple accounts to buy tickets, or circumvents security features controlling sales volume. The legislation would allow the attorney general to investigate suspected violations and seek civil fines of up to $5,000 per violation.

Why it matters: Committee members described the bills as a consumer-protection measure aimed at preventing mass purchase of high-demand tickets that quickly reach resale markets with steep markups. Sponsors and members referenced recent high-profile concert sales as examples of how bots can overwhelm ticket platforms and leave ordinary fans without access to face-value tickets.

Supporters, including the bills’ sponsors, said the measures would make enforcement easier at the state level. One sponsor told the committee the bills “prioritize the consumer” and would “provide the attorney general with the necessary tools to investigate and act against those who are misusing bots.” Staff and lawmakers discussed coordination with the attorney general’s office on enforcement details.

During questions, lawmakers pressed sponsors on how investigations would start and on the limits of state authority. Committee members asked how the attorney general would obtain platform data needed to identify bot activity and whether the bills would apply to events that take place outside Michigan but involve purchasers or perpetrators inside the state. Sponsors said an investigation would begin when a complaint is filed with the attorney general and that the office would obtain information from ticket platforms as part of an investigation. They said the bills apply to conduct that occurs in the state of Michigan or by actors operating in Michigan.

Lawmakers also raised practical enforcement questions: how ticket-purchase limits are set (platforms set them), whether vendors need statutory protection to block suspected bot transactions, and whether the state should look at secondary resale platforms to identify repeat bad actors. Sponsors and several members said platforms already invest in anti-bot technology but that bad actors adapt quickly.

Several industry representatives submitted testimony cards: StubHub’s representative registered neutral and did not speak; Live Nation submitted a card supporting the bills and did not speak.

The bills were taken up as part of a committee hearing; no votes on the bills were recorded in the transcript.

Members, stakeholders and staff signaled interest in refining enforcement mechanics and in possible future measures aimed at resale platforms or giving vendors clearer authority to block suspected bot purchases.

Looking ahead: Sponsors said they will continue working with the attorney general’s office and industry stakeholders to refine the bills’ enforcement provisions and to clarify who would receive civil penalties collected under state enforcement.