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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 8, 2022 11:06 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Steven R. Malagari |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Prohibiting Grinch Bots |
| When a new product enters the marketplace, bad actors will use software known as “Grinch Bots” to automatically buy up products and resell them for higher than the list price. This frustrating hoarding process is bad for consumers and bad for business. This occurred with popular purchases such as the PlayStation 5 and Taylor Swift concert tickets, making it extremely difficult for patient consumers to purchase the products they have been waiting for. The General Assembly needs to ensure Pennsylvania’s consumers have the right to a fair marketplace. I will be introducing legislation that would prevent scalpers from using software to purchase items over the internet in bulk for the purpose of resale and not personal use. This legislation would make it unlawful to circumvent a security measure, access control system, or other technological control that enforces posted purchasing limits online. With this important legislation, we can ensure everyone has a fair shot when shopping online. As representatives, it is our duty to stop predatory miscreants from trying to manipulate our economy. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB1378