Lansing Sun

State Reps. Mike McFall and Graham Filler have introduced a bipartisan plan in Michigan aimed at combating the widespread use of automated bots in online ticket sales. The legislation, referred to by some as the “Taylor Swift” bill, seeks to address the challenges faced by residents in securing tickets to popular events like the Taylor Swift Eras tour.

Filler emphasized the importance of the plan, stating, "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." The proposed consumer protection legislation aims to alleviate the frustration experienced by Michigan residents in their attempts to obtain tickets to highly sought-after events.

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

The plan, outlined in House Bills 5661-62, grants authority to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to take legal action against individuals or groups found guilty of using automated bots to circumvent online ticket purchasing restrictions. The legislation includes penalties of up to $5,000 per ticket fraudulently obtained, aiming to deter unethical practices in the ticket resale market.

The proposed measures build upon previous efforts by Michigan legislators to address consumer protection issues and align with a national trend towards implementing robust anti-bot legislation. Arizona has recently enacted a similar law, indicating a growing consensus on the necessity of stringent measures to safeguard consumers in the ticket purchasing process.