Bill > S07289

This bill establishes the New York State Fast Food Franchisor Accountability Act, which creates a legal mechanism to hold fast food franchisors jointly liable for employment and worker safety violations committed by their franchisees. The bill defines a "fast food chain" as a restaurant network with 50 or more national establishments sharing common branding or standardized characteristics, and a "fast food restaurant" as an establishment with quick-service features like pre-prepared food, limited table service, and immediate consumption options. Under the new law, if a franchisee violates specific employment, worker safety, and public health regulations—including state labor laws, workers' compensation requirements, and various government orders—the franchisor can be held legally and financially responsible for penalties and fines. The bill also prevents franchisors from waiving this liability through contracts and allows franchisees to seek legal relief if franchise terms make it difficult to comply with relevant laws. Additionally, if a franchisee can demonstrate that franchise terms substantially contributed to their legal liability, the franchisor can be held jointly responsible for that portion of the liability. The act is designed to create greater accountability for large fast food corporations by ensuring they share responsibility for labor and safety standards in their franchised locations.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7289