SF 146 (LSB 1516SV (2) 91)

SENATE FILE 146

BY  COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY

(SUCCESSOR TO SF 49)

(As Amended and Passed by the Senate 2025-02-11)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to the use or creation of bots to purchase event tickets on the internet, and providing civil penalties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  NEW SECTION.  554I.1  Definitions.
   As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
   1.  “Authorized entry” means authorization to enter an event based solely on the ticket holder’s possession of a ticket not obtained in violation of section 554I.2. “Authorized entry” does not mean authorization to enter an event based on the source of purchase or fulfillment method of the ticket.
   2.  “Bot” means an automated software program that performs automatic and repetitive tasks and is designed to impersonate or replicate human activity on the internet. “Bot” does not include autofill or password management features built into an internet browser or provided through separate internet software.
   3.  “Event” means a concert, theatrical performance, sporting event, exhibition, show, or similar scheduled activity that is all of the following:
   a.  Open to the public.
   b.  Held in a public or private venue.
   c.  Requires payment of an admission fee to attend the event.
   4.  “Ticket” means a physical or electronic certificate, voucher, document, token, or other evidence of a right for admission to enter an event at one or more specified dates and times.
    Sec. 2.  NEW SECTION.  554I.2  Internet ticket sales.
   A person shall not use or create a bot to do any of the following:
   1.  Purchase tickets in excess of the posted limit for any one internet ticket sale.
   2.  Use multiple internet protocol addresses, purchaser accounts, or electronic mail addresses to purchase tickets in excess of the posted limit for any one internet ticket sale.
   3.  Circumvent or disable an electronic queue, waiting period, presale code, or other sales volume limitation system associated with an internet ticket sale.
   4.  Circumvent or disable a security measure, access control system, or other control or measure that is used to facilitate authorized entry to an event.
    Sec. 3.  NEW SECTION.  554I.3  Reporting violations.
   1.  A ticket seller shall report known violations of this chapter to the attorney general within five calendar days of becoming aware of the violation.
   2.  An individual that has knowledge of a violation of this chapter may report the violation to the attorney general.
   3.  The attorney general shall establish an electronic reporting system for the submission of reports pursuant to this section.
    Sec. 4.  NEW SECTION.  554I.4  Enforcement —— penalties.
   1.  If the attorney general has reasonable belief that a person is in violation of this chapter, the attorney general has the sole authority to bring civil action to provide for all of the following:
   a.  Enjoinment of further violations by the person.
   b.  Enforcement of compliance with this chapter.
   c.  Assessment of civil penalties in an amount not more than ten thousand dollars for each violation of this chapter.
   d.  Other remedies permitted under law.
   2.  If the attorney general has reasonable belief that a person is in violation of an injunction issued under this section, the attorney general has the sole authority to bring civil action to provide for civil penalties in an amount not more than one hundred thousand dollars.