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Calif. Bill Would Prohibit Ticket-Buying Software

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Music and sports fans would have one less obstacle in buying tickets to popular events under a bill advancing through the California Legislature.

Legislation by Democratic Assemblyman Richard Pan of Sacramento would prohibit the use of robotic ticket-buying software. Supporters of AB329 say scalpers use the software to bombard online box offices and then resell tickets at higher prices.

Lawmakers previously deleted a provision that would have prohibited transfers of paperless event tickets to a friend or family member. Some paperless tickets require identification at the event to prevent scalping.

Several Assembly members supporting the bill urged additional steps to protect consumers seeking to buy or sell tickets.

The Assembly approved the legislation Thursday 65-0, sending it to the Senate.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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