(The Center Square) –State Reps. Mike McFall and Graham Filler introduced a bipartisan plan to combat automated bots mass buying and reselling tickets to popular events.
The plan some call the “Taylor Swift” bill aims to stop ticket bot operators from mass buying and selling tickets, especially for events like the highly anticipated Taylor Swift Eras tour.
Under House Bills 5661–62, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office could fine individuals or groups up to $5,000 per ticket fraudulently obtained by using bots to mass buy tickets.
“This is about fairness and ensuring that Michiganders have a fair shot at purchasing tickets to their favorite events without unfair competition from automated bots,” Filler, a Clinton County Republican said in a statement. “This is an issue that affects all of us who love attending concerts and sporting events.”
The consumer protection legislation aims to make it easier for Michiganders to secure tickets to popular events. Despite existing federal regulations meant to ban the use of bots, enforcement has proven largely ineffective, leaving consumers vulnerable to exploitation.
“Michiganders are tired of these scalping bots who purchase and hoard tickets for resale, often pricing them out of reach for many hardworking families,” McFall, D-Hazel Park, said in a statement. “I am proud to sponsor these bills which will protect consumers, keep tickets affordable, and hold bad actors accountable.”
The plan builds upon the 2020 work of previous Michigan legislators.
Arizona recently enacted a similar measure, signaling a growing national consensus on the need for robust anti-bot legislation.
