Bill > SB376

This bill establishes the Georgia Restaurant Franchise Relations Act, which creates comprehensive regulations for restaurant franchising in the state. The legislation defines key terms like "franchise," "franchisee," and "franchisor," and establishes important protections for franchise owners. The bill prohibits franchisors from terminating a franchise without good cause, requiring at least 90 days' notice and an opportunity to cure any deficiencies. It mandates that franchisors cannot discriminate between franchise-owned and franchisor-owned facilities, and prevents franchisors from implementing different standards for franchise locations. The act also provides protections for franchisees' surviving spouses or heirs, allowing them to continue operating the franchise for at least six months after the franchisee's death without additional training requirements. Additionally, the bill invalidates any franchise agreements that require applying laws from another state or selecting a specific court venue, and it establishes that violations of the act can be considered unfair trade practices. Franchisees harmed by violations can pursue legal action, and the law will apply to all franchises entered into or renewed after July 1, 2025. The legislation aims to create more equitable and transparent relationships between franchisors and franchisees in the restaurant industry.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72062