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State Representative Joe Atkins
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4192
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
Press/News Releases
MEASURE TO OUTLAW ONLINE TICKET BULLYING CLEARS LEGISLATURE
ST. PAUL – A bill outlawing online ticket bullying has cleared both the House and Senate, and is now on the way to Governor Pawlenty's desk for final approval. The bill (HF 2911/SF 3139), authored by Rep. Joe Atkins in the House and Sen. Ron Latz in the Senate, would outlaw the use of special software that allows ticket scammers to cut in line ahead of other legitimate online ticket buyers.
"Some professional ticket brokers used special computer software to cut to the front of the line, snatch up most of the tickets, and then they jack up the prices, bilking or beating out the average fans who simply wanted to go enjoy the concert," said Sen. Latz. "That’s not fair; that’s cheating; and this bill will make cyberspace cutting in line illegal."
The use of such software has resulted in a number of online ticket-selling debacles – most notably last summer's Hannah Montana appearance in Minneapolis. With the help of this software, ticket bullies bought up ticket supplies in just minutes, and then sold those tickets online for exorbitant prices. Concertgoers were forced to either pay for outrageously overpriced tickets, or miss the concert entirely.
"Hannah Montana fans were robbed last summer, literally," said Rep. Atkins. "Robbed out of hundreds of dollars and robbed of the chance to see their favorite star on stage. By putting this consumer protection measure in Minnesota law, we can keep these online ticket thieves out of our state – once and for all."
News Items
- Rep. Atkins, Sen. Lourey Introduce Health Insurance Exchange Legislation - (Posted: Jan 9 2013 3:44PM)
- Rep. Atkins – Statement on Deal to End NHL Lockout - (Posted: Jan 7 2013 2:05PM)
- Rep. Atkins to Hold Minnesota House Hearing on Economic Impact of Hockey Lockout - (Posted: Jan 2 2013 3:20PM)
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