Michigan Senate Bill SB0159

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/18/25
• Refer: 3/18/25
• Report Pass: 6/12/25
• Refer: 6/12/25
• Report Pass: 6/17/25
• Engrossed: 6/26/25
• Refer: 6/26/25

Caption

Consumer protection: other; attorney general investigations of the event online ticket sales act; provide for, and prescribe fines and remedies. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 158'25

Summary

SB 159 creates a new enforcement framework for the Event Online Ticket Sales Act. It directs the attorney general to investigate alleged violations of that act and authorizes the attorney general to seek civil enforcement in court. The bill allows the state to pursue injunctions to stop ongoing violations, collect civil fines for completed violations, and recover restitution for affected parties. The bill sets a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation, and it specifies that each ticket transaction acquired in violation of the act counts as a separate violation. It also allows the court to award reasonable attorney fees and costs to the attorney general in successful enforcement actions. Any civil fines collected would be deposited into the state general fund. The bill is tie-barred to SB 158, meaning it does not take effect unless the companion bill is enacted.

Impact

The bill would add state-level enforcement and penalty provisions to the Event Online Ticket Sales Act, expanding the attorney general’s authority to investigate, sue, and seek remedies against violators. It would create a new civil penalty structure for unlawful online ticket sales activity, including per-transaction fines, injunctions, restitution, and possible recovery of attorney fees and costs. The measure primarily affects ticket sellers, resellers, brokers, and other persons engaged in online ticket transactions, while also giving consumers and the state a stronger enforcement mechanism against prohibited practices.

Sentiment

The available voting record suggests the bill was generally well received. It was reported favorably out of committee on a 7-0 vote and later passed the Senate 36-1, indicating broad bipartisan support. No committee transcript excerpts were provided, so there is no recorded floor or committee debate to indicate substantial opposition in the materials supplied.

Contention

The main policy issue appears to be the scope of enforcement and penalties for violations of the Event Online Ticket Sales Act. Potential points of contention include the attorney general’s authority to investigate and bring civil actions, the $5,000 per-violation fine structure, and the treatment of each ticket transaction as a separate offense, which could significantly increase liability. The tie-bar to SB 158 is also notable because this bill depends on enactment of the companion legislation, so its effect is contingent on the broader ticket-sales package moving forward.