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SF 49

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 Introduced by Jeff Reichman

Bill SF 49 bans bots from buying event tickets, ensuring fair access for consumers and imposing penalties up to $100,000 for violations to protect ticket sales integrity.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 146.
#attorneygeneral #civilprocedure #computersandsoftware #goods #internet #reports #sales #technology
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Bill Summary · SF 49

Summary of Bill SF 49

Bill Number: SF 49
Title: A bill for an act relating to the use or creation of bots to purchase event tickets on the internet, and providing civil penalties.
Status: Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 146.
Introduced: January 15, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Attorney General, Civil Procedure, Computers and Software, Goods, Internet, Reports, Sales, Technology

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill SF 49 is to regulate the use of automated bots in the purchasing of event tickets online. The bill aims to prevent unfair practices that disadvantage consumers and ensure equitable access to tickets for events. It establishes a framework for reporting violations and enforces penalties against those who misuse technology to circumvent ticket purchasing systems.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition on Bots: The bill prohibits the use or creation of bots that are designed to purchase tickets for events, thereby circumventing access control systems intended to facilitate authorized entry.

  • Reporting Violations: Ticket sellers are required to report known violations of the bill's provisions to the Attorney General within five calendar days of becoming aware of such violations. Other individuals who are aware of violations may also report them.

  • Establishment of Reporting System: The Attorney General is mandated to create an electronic system for the submission of reports regarding violations.

  • Civil Actions and Penalties:

    • The Attorney General can initiate civil actions against individuals suspected of violating the bill.
    • Civil penalties can be assessed up to $10,000 for each violation.
    • If a person is found to be in violation of an injunction issued under this bill, civil penalties can escalate to $100,000.

Affected Parties

  • Ticket Sellers: Responsible for compliance with the reporting requirements and facing penalties for violations.
  • Consumers: Benefit from increased access to tickets and protection from unfair practices.
  • Attorney General's Office: Tasked with enforcing the bill and managing the reporting system.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 15, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Technology committee.
  • January 21, 2025: Subcommittee formed to review the bill.
  • January 22, 2025: Subcommittee meeting held to discuss the bill.
  • January 23, 2025: Subcommittee recommends passage of the bill.
  • January 28, 2025: Committee report approving the bill; it is renumbered as SF 146.

Conclusion

Bill SF 49 represents a significant step towards regulating the use of technology in ticket sales, aiming to protect consumers from unfair practices associated with automated purchasing systems. By establishing clear reporting requirements and penalties, the bill seeks to promote fairness and transparency in the ticketing industry.

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

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