Bill protecting ticket sales passes House
Internet ticket sales for concerts and other events could soon face new, tighter state regulations.
The Minnesota House passed a bill Monday that bans the use of computer software designed to interfere with ticket sales. The vote was 119 to 12.
Supporters of the so-called Hannah Montana bill say they want to correct problems created by last year's repeal of the state's ticket scalping law.
DFL Representative Joe Atkins of Inver Grove Heights says brokers were able to buy large quantities of tickets to last year's Hannah Montana concert before the general public got a chance to buy.
"Legitimate fans who wanted to go on and buy a ticket for $20 were being forced to pay $160 or $200 or $400 to get a seat to go to that concert. That's wrong. That's the 21st century version of bullying. We wouldn't allow it at the school bus stop or on the playground. And we ought not allow it on the Internet," said Atkins.
Atkins says Minnesota authorities will be able to pursue violations by ticket brokers worldwide. The Minnesota Senate passed a similar bill earlier this month.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.