Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation on Tuesday that will help lower the cost of online tickets.
Senate Bill 158, sponsored by Sen. Mary Cavanagh of Redford Township, along with House Bill 4262, sponsored by Rep. Mike Harris of Waterford Township, will establish a new Event Online Ticket Sales Act, commonly referred to as the “Taylor Swift bills‚" according to a release from Whitmer’s office.
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The legislation prohibits the use of bots that buy up large quantities of tickets for concerts, sporting events, and other live performances, a practice that often inflates prices and shuts out everyday buyers.
“Bot-scammers have long taken advantage of Michigan consumers by purchasing event tickets in bulk and funneling them into an inflated resale market, pricing far too many folks out of the joy and community built at live entertainment events,” said Cavanagh. “As Chair of the Senate Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection Committee, I’m always committed to ensuring Michigan consumers are treated with fairness and integrity in the marketplace. I’m proud to see my bipartisan legislation make it across the finish line, enabling more Michiganders to be able to experience the fun of a live event.”
Under the legislation, the Michigan Attorney General is authorized to pursue civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation.
The bills are modeled closely after the federal Better Online Ticket Sales, or BOTS, Act.
“House Bill 4262 helps protect Michigan consumers by preventing ticket-buying bots from manipulating online sales and driving up prices,” said Harris. “The Great War over Eras Tour tickets highlighted the need to ensure real people have a real chance to purchase tickets and bring Michiganders back into the Daylight at their favorite venues and events.”