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SF 146

A bill for an act relating to the use or creation of bots to purchase event tickets on the internet, and providing civil penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Prohibits using or creating bots to buy event tickets online, empowers civil penalties and AG reporting to curb unfair purchases and protect fair access.

Signed by Governor.
#attorneygeneral #civilprocedure #computersandsoftware #goods #internet #reports #sales #technology
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Bill Summary · SF 146

Summary — SF 146 (Internet Ticket Sales; Bot Use) — Enacted (Signed June 6, 2025)

Overview / Purpose

SF 146 creates a new chapter (554I) in Iowa law that prohibits the creation or use of automated software ("bots") to obtain event tickets via the internet in specified ways, requires reporting of known violations to the Attorney General (AG), and classifies violations as unfair practices subject to civil enforcement and penalties. The law targets automated and deceptive purchasing practices that interfere with fair online ticket sales.

Key definitions (Section 554I.1)

  • Bot: automated software that performs repetitive tasks intended to impersonate or replicate human internet activity. Excludes browser autofill or password-management features.
  • Event: public concerts, shows, sporting events, exhibitions, etc., held in public or private venues that require paid admission.
  • Ticket: physical or electronic proof of the right to admission.
  • Authorized entry: entry based solely on possession of a ticket not obtained in violation of §554I.2; it explicitly does not depend on source of purchase or method of fulfillment.

Prohibited conduct (Section 554I.2)

A person may not use or create a bot to:
1. Purchase tickets in excess of the posted limit for any one internet ticket sale.
2. Use multiple IP addresses, purchaser accounts, or email addresses to exceed posted ticket limits for a single internet sale.
3. Circumvent or disable an electronic queue, waiting period, presale code, or other sales-volume limitation system tied to an internet ticket sale.
4. Circumvent or disable a security measure, access control system, or other control used to facilitate authorized entry to an event.

Reporting (Section 554I.3)

  • Upon the AG’s request, a ticket seller must report violations of this chapter of which it has actual knowledge within five calendar days.
  • Any individual with actual knowledge may report violations to the AG.
  • The AG must establish an electronic reporting system for submissions.

Enforcement & penalties (Section 554I.4 and related amendments)

  • Violations of §554I.2 are declared "unfair practices" under Iowa Code §714.16 and chapter 714H (consumer protection).
  • The AG may bring civil actions to enjoin violations, obtain compliance, and assess civil penalties:
    • Up to $10,000 per violation.
    • Civil penalties up to $100,000 for violations of injunctions issued under the statute.
  • Remedies are civil; the bill does not create new criminal penalties.

Who is affected

  • Primary: creators and users of automated ticket-purchasing software (bot developers/operators).
  • Ticket sellers/platforms: obligations to report known violations to the AG upon request.
  • Consumers and event venues: intended beneficiaries (fairer access to tickets); venues may be involved in enforcement contexts.
  • Enforcement entity: Iowa Attorney General.

Legislative status & timeline

  • Introduced: January 28, 2025.
  • Passed Senate and House with amendments (unanimous or near-unanimous votes: Senate Apr 28 — 50–0; House Apr 23 — 93–0).
  • Multiple technical amendments adopted (S-3001, S-3137, H-1270, H-1274) adjusting definitions and reporting language.
  • Signed by Governor Kim Reynolds: June 6, 2025 (enacted).

Notes / Potential impact

  • The law focuses on civil enforcement through consumer-protection statutes rather than criminal sanctions.
  • It specifically protects legitimate ticket purchasers and venues by targeting circumvention of purchase limits, queue and security systems, and use of multiple accounts/IPs.
  • The exemption for autofill/password managers narrows the scope to deliberately automated purchasing tools that mimic human behavior.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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