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Who cares
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Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 4
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to codes
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the penal law, in relation to creating a criminal penalty for automated ticket purchasing software in the first and second degrees
Purpose or general idea of bill
This bill will create criminal penalties for using a computer "bot" to purchase tickets.
Summary of specific provisions
1. Adds a new section to the penal law 165.75, using automated ticket purchasing software is a Class A misdemeanor.
2. Adds a new section to the penal law 165.76, having an interest or control of automated ticket purchasing software is a Class E felony.
3. Effective date.
Justification
This legislation will protect New York State consumers and allow for a fair and competitive market for the sale of tickets. The use of automated ticket purchasing software restrict the market availability for the average individual and cause significantly higher prices for consumers.
Using so-called computer "bots" provides an unfair advantage over ordinary individuals by bypassing ticket websites security features. Using and owning a "bot" to purchase tickets is already illegal. However, current law provides for only monetary penalties for using and owning automated ticketing purchasing software. Adding criminal penalties and potential jail time to these crimes will deter individuals from using such software.
In recent years, individuals have been creating and using automated ticket purchasing software or "bots" to bypass security features and purchase tickets in mass quantities for resale at highly inflated prices. In fact, it is not unusual for certain concerts and events to be completely "sold out" in a few minutes. Owners and users of this ticket purchasing software then collect huge profits and limit the availability of tickets purchased through the normal process. Tickets for all types of events, such as concerts, plays, and sporting events, have been subject to abuse by the "bot" users.
Prior legislative history
New bill.
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
After the 60th day it shall have become law
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.