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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
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MINNESOTA MEASURE OUTLAWING ONLINE TICKET BULLYING BECOMES LAW
ST. PAUL – Last summer's Miley Cyrus ticket debacle grabbed the attention of House Commerce and Labor Committee chairman, Rep. Joe Atkins. Atkins crafted legislation (HF 2911/SF3139) that makes using software to cut to the head of the line ahead of other legitimate buyers a crime in Minnesota. Governor Pawlenty signed the bill into law this week.
"Minnesota kids are getting elbowed out of the way by what has become the 21st Century's version of a bully," said Rep. Atkins. "These ticket bullies are cutting in line to pick up all the good tickets before legitimate buyers can get them. We wouldn't allow that in the real world, and it shouldn't be allowed on the Internet either."
Certain software has allowed professional ticket buyers to buy up large quantities of tickets so quickly that ticket supplies for popular concerts, like Hannah Montana, are now being sold out in just minutes. Atkins' bill would make it a misdemeanor to use or sell software to circumvent on a ticket seller's Web site a security measure, an access control system, or a control or measure that is used to ensure an equitable ticket buying process.
"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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