It’s time for Michigan to enter its consumer protection era

State Reps. Mike McFall and Graham Filler today introduced a bipartisan plan to combat the rampant use of automated bots in online ticket sales.

Dubbed by some as the “Taylor Swift” bill, the plan addresses the pressing need to safeguard Michiganders from the tactics employed by ticket bot operators, particularly in securing sought-after tickets to events like the highly anticipated Taylor Swift Eras tour.

“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,” said Filler, R-Clinton County. “This is an issue that affects all of us who love attending concerts and sporting events.”

The consumer protection legislation will help address the growing frustration among Michigan residents who have faced countless hurdles and disappointments in their attempts 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.

Under House Bills 5661-62, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office would be empowered to pursue legal action against individuals or groups found guilty of circumventing online ticket purchasing limits through the use of automated bots. The legislation includes punitive measures, including fines of up to $5,000 per ticket fraudulently obtained.

“Michiganders are tired of these scalping bots who purchase and hoard tickets for resale, often pricing them out of reach for many hardworking families,” said McFall, D-Hazel Park. “I am proud to sponsor these bills which will protect consumers, keep tickets affordable, and hold bad actors accountable.”

The plan builds upon the work of previous Michigan legislators, who addressed this serious consumer protection situation in 2020 with changes to state law.

It also follows in the footsteps of Arizona, which recently enacted a similar measure, signaling a growing national consensus on the need for robust anti-bot legislation.

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