Minn. bill would outlaw software that snaps up concert tickets

Associated Press

Last update: March 11, 2008 - 4:02 PM

ST. PAUL - A Minnesota House panel has voted to outlaw software that buys up big blocks of popular concert tickets, a problem highlighted by last year's sold-out Hannah Montana performance.

The bill from Representative Joe Atkins goes after computer programs that let ticket buyers jump ahead of others in line and scoop up large numbers of tickets, reselling them later for higher prices.

Atkins amended his bill during the House Public Safety Committee hearing to clarify he wasn't trying to bring back a recently abolished state law against ticket scalping. He says his bill would not affect the resale of tickets.

But Atkins says the problem has frustrated performers ranging from Miley Cyrus to Tom Petty and sports teams including the Twins, Vikings and Timberwolves.

He says his bill would make Minnesota the first state to outlaw the software made by RMG Technologies. A message left with the company was not immediately returned.

The legislation next heads to the full House for a vote.