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Pawlenty signs Internet ticket, cancer research bills
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A teen pop star has unwittingly prompted a new law in Minnesota dealing with concert ticket sales.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty has signed a bill outlawing ticket-buying software that enables users to snap up blocs of tickets before much of the public can.
The software was used to scoop up tickets for Hannah Montana, the stage name of teen pop star Miley Cyrus, when she performed in the Twin Cities last year.
The bill's sponsors say the technology gave the edge to resellers, who pumped up prices and shut out many fans.
Pawlenty also signed a bill providing money for research into a rare lung cancer afflicting miners on the Iron Range. The bill taps a Department of Commerce fund for the $4.9 million study.
Researchers hope to explain why dozens of miners have been stricken with mesothelioma.
The University of Minnesota will analyze death records and conduct screenings of current and former workers and their families. Environmental reviews will also be done. In all, the research is expected to take up to five years.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
