BOTS Act

Fact Sheet API

Bill Number

HR 708

Introduced

Feb 4, 2015

Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

Topics

Civil actions and liability Commerce Competition and antitrust Computers and information technology Consumer affairs Fraud offenses and financial crimes Internet and video services Internet, web applications, social media Legal fees and court costs Retail and wholesale trades

Full Text

View Full Bill Text

Votes

Summary

Better On-line Ticket Sales Act of 2014 or the BOTS Act

Prohibits: (1) intentionally using or selling software to circumvent a security measure, access control system, or other control or measure on a ticket seller's Internet website that is used by the seller to ensure equitable consumer access to tickets for any given event; or (2) selling any ticket in interstate commerce knowingly obtained in violation of such prohibition.

Treats a violation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act. Authorizes a person who suffers injury as a result of a violation of this Act to bring a civil action for damages plus $1,000 for each distinct use or sale of software, or sale of a ticket, that caused such injury and reasonable attorneys' fees.

Amends the federal criminal code to prescribe criminal penalties for such an offense.

Actions

Mar 16, 2015

Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.
Mar 16, 2015

Referred to the Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial And Antitrust Law.
Feb 6, 2015

Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
Feb 4, 2015

Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Feb 4, 2015

Introduced in House

Amendments

Related Bills