MAIN Event Ticketing Act
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would focus on stopping automated ticket-buying that bypasses posted purchase limits by strengthening the BOTS Act and adding new site-security, reporting, and enforcement tools. It would force ticket sellers and their service providers to adopt concrete technical and administrative safeguards and create new civil penalties and interagency coordination to fight circumvention.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Stronger FTC enforcement and penalties
The FTC would be able to sue violators in federal court for penalties and injunctions. The FTC would lead these cases and inform the Attorney General, who could intervene under law. Civil penalties would be at least $10,000 per day a violation continues, plus at least $1,000 per violation, and at least $10,000 per intentional violation.
Stronger security and reporting for ticket sites
Ticket sellers and platforms would need to enforce posted ticket limits with access controls. They would set and update security safeguards and make service providers follow similar protections. When they discover circumvention, they would have to report it to the FTC within 30 days and improve their controls. The FTC would publish compliance guidance within 1 year. The FTC would also launch a public complaint website within 180 days and may share reports with state attorneys general.
Ban on ticket-buying bots
If enacted, you would not be allowed to use apps that auto-buy tickets to dodge posted limits. The ban would cover tools that break or bypass a site’s access controls or other security measures.
Law enforcement coordination on ticket cyberattacks
Law enforcement would share information with the FTC about cyberattacks on ticket systems, while excluding sensitive or classified details. The bill would define “cyberattack” and “circumvention” to clarify what conduct is covered.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1]
TN • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2]
LA • D
Sponsored 4/8/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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