A bill for an act relating to the use or creation of bots to purchase event tickets on the internet, and providing civil penalties. (Formerly SF 49 .) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

STATE OF IOWA
KIM REYNOLDS
GOVERNOR
June 6, 2025
The Honorable Paul Pate
Secretary of State of Iowa
State Capitol
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Dear Mr. Secretary,
I hereby transmit:
Senate File 146, an Act relating to the use or creation of bots to purchase event tickets on
the internet, and providing civil penalties.
The above Senate File is hereby approved on this date.
Sincere
Kim R
Governor of Iowa
cc: Secretary of the Senate
Clerk of the House
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Senate File 146
AN ACT
RELATING TO THE USE OR CREATION OF BOTS TO PURCHASE EVENT
TICKETS ON THE INTERNET, AND PROVIDING CIVIL PENALTIES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:
Section 1. NEW SECTION. 554I.1 Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise
requires:
1. ' Authorized entry means authorization to enter an event
based solely on the ticket holder's possession of a ticket not
obtained in violation of section 554I.2. Authorized entry
does not mean authorization to enter an event based on the
source of purchase or fulfillment method of the ticket.
2. ' Bot - means an automated software program that performs
automatic and repetitive tasks and is designed to impersonate
or replicate human activity on the internet. - Bot - does not
include autofill or password management features built into
an internet browser or provided through separate internet
software.
Senate File 146, p. 2
3. " Event - means a concert, theatrical performance, sporting
event, exhibition, show, or similar scheduled activity that is
all of the following:
a. Open to the public.
b. Held in a public or private venue.
c. Requires payment of an admission fee to attend the event.
4. - Ticket - means a physical or electronic certificate,
voucher, document, token, or other evidence of a right for
admission to enter an event at one or more specified dates and
times.
Sec. 2. NEW SECTION. 554I.2 Internet ticket sales.
A person shall not use or create a bot to do any of the
following:
1. Purchase tickets in excess of the posted limit for any
one internet ticket sale.
2. Use multiple internet protocol addresses, purchaser
accounts, or electronic mail addresses to purchase tickets in
excess of the posted limit for any one internet ticket sale.
3. Circumvent or disable an electronic queue, waiting
period, presale code, or other sales volume limitation system
associated with an internet ticket sale.
4. Circumvent or disable a security measure, access control
system, or other control or measure that is used to facilitate
authorized entry to an event.
Sec. 3. NEW SECTION. 554I.3 Reporting violations.
1. Upon the attorney general's request, a ticket seller
shall report violations of this chapter of which the ticket
seller has actual knowledge to the attorney general within five
calendar days of the request.
2. An individual that has actual knowledge of a violation of
this chapter may report the violation to the attorney general.
3. The attorney general shall establish an electronic
reporting system for the submission of reports pursuant to this
section.
Sec. 4. NEW SECTION. 554I.4 Enforcement — penalties.
A violation of section 554I.2 is an unfair practice under
section 714.16 and under chapter 714H.
Sec. 5. Section 714.16, subsection 2, Code 2025, is amended
by adding the following new paragraph:
Senate File 146, p. 3
NEW PARAGRAPH. r. It is an unlawful practice for a person
to violate section 554I.2.
Sec. 6. Section 714H.3, subsection 2, Code 2025, is amended
by adding the following new paragraph:
NEW PARAGRAPH. Oe. Section 554I.2.
AMY SIN /AIR PAT GRASSLE
President of the Senate Speaker oC the House
I hereby certify that this bill originated in the Senate and
is known as Senate File 146, Ninety-first General Assembly.
Approved , 2025
W. CHARLES SMITHSON
Secre a , of t e Senate
KIM R N 1 DS
Governor