Franchises; prohibit franchisor from requiring franchisee to operate on a religious day, exceptions provided

SB 138 prohibits franchisors from requiring franchisees to operate on religious days if the franchisee has a sincerely held religious belief, unless specific exceptions apply. These exceptions cover cases where the original franchise agreement already required operation on a religious day, the franchisee later agrees to such a requirement, or the requirement is part of expanding franchise locations. The bill provides remedies for violations, including actual damages, attorney fees, and civil penalties up to $50,000 for repeated offenses. It directly affects franchisees with religious objections and franchisors managing franchise agreements, while excluding motor vehicle and other regulated franchise types.