SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5456
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 17, 2015
Title: An act relating to the unauthorized interference of ticket sales over the internet.
Brief Description: Concerning the unauthorized interference of ticket sales over the internet.
Sponsors: Senators Kohl-Welles, Frockt, Liias, Warnick and Mullet; by request of Attorney General.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor:
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR |
Staff: Susan Jones (786-7404)
Background: Ticket Bots. Ticket bots or web robots are software programs used to interfere with or disrupt the operation of ticket sales over the Internet or to buy up a substantial portion of the available tickets for later private resale. Interference by ticket bots may include gaining unauthorized priority access to purchasing tickets. These practices may reduce the general public's access to online ticket sales at the original price. Affected ticket sales often include those for concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment events.
Consumer Protection Act. The Consumer Protection Act prohibits unfair or deceptive practices in commerce. The Consumer Protection Act may be enforced by private legal action or through a civil action by the Attorney General.
Summary of Bill: Certain Ticket Bot Use Unlawful. A person may not use or sell software to circumvent, thwart, interfere with, or evade a security measure, access control system, or other control or measure on a ticket seller's Internet website. A ticket seller is generally a person that makes admission tickets available, directly or indirectly, at an initial presale or sale to the general public.
Consumer Protection Act Violation. Using or selling software to circumvent, thwart, or evade a control or measure on a ticket seller's website used to ensure an equitable distribution of tickets is an unfair or deceptive act in trade or commerce and an unfair method of competition for purposes of applying the Consumer Protection Act.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.