Lawmakers target online ticket scalpers

By Kurt Erickson | Friday, May 16, 2008

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois lawmakers took aim today at ticket resellers who have made it tough for some consumers to buy tickets to popular concerts and sporting events.

Triggered by last year’s outcry over the scarcity of available tickets to a concert tour by Hannah Montana, the House sent a message to companies that use software programs to defeat computer security systems in order to corner the market on tickets.

“This is someone cutting in line,” said state Rep. Karen May, D-Highland Park, who sponsored the legislation.

The proposal attempts to address online ticket sales, where professional ticket resellers snatch up large blocs of tickets in order to resell them at higher prices.

The practice already has generated numerous investigations, settlements and lawsuits, leaving some lawmakers skeptical that Illinois’ law will have any effect.

“I think it’s a good idea. I just don’t know if we’re going to stop all this,” said state Rep. Roger Eddy, R-Hutsonville.

May acknowledged the legislation has its limits.

For now, it would rely on consumers to report suspected problems. And it is unclear how violations from out-of-state resellers would be prosecuted, May said.

But she said passage of the legislation will make it clear where the General Assembly stands on the issue.

If caught, resellers who use the software would be subject to a misdemeanor penalty.

The measure now heads to the Senate for further debate. The legislation is House Bill 4791.

Kurt Erickson can be contacted at kurt.erickson@lee.net or (217) 789-0865. Comment on this story at qctimes.com.