The bill HB2040 amends Title 44 of the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding Chapter 29, which relates to online transactions, specifically targeting the use of automated software programs known as "bots" in the context of online ticket sales for events. The bill defines a "bot" as a program that performs automatic tasks designed to mimic human online activity, excluding autofill and password management features of browsers or software. It also defines "event" and "ticket" in the context of public activities requiring admission fees.
The bill prohibits the use of bots to purchase more tickets than allowed by an event's posted limit, to bypass electronic queues or other sales volume limitation systems, and to disable security measures that validate the authenticity of tickets. Violations of these provisions are considered unlawful practices under the Consumer Fraud Act, and the Attorney General is authorized to investigate and take appropriate action. Each ticket acquired in violation of these regulations constitutes a separate offense for assessing civil penalties.