Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that exempts franchise owners from having to operate their stores on days when doing so would conflict with their religious beliefs and practices in Utah.

Highlights:

• Prohibits a franchisor from requiring a franchisee to open on or when operating conflicts with the franchisee's sincerely held religious belief (Sec. 1-2).

• Specifies exceptions under which a franchisor may require a franchisee to open a franchise despite a conflict with the franchisee's sincerely held religious belief (Sec. 1-2).

• Authorizes a remedy for a franchisee if the franchisor violates the prohibition without an exception (Sec. 1-2).

• Establishes a civil penalty of between $10,000 and $50,000 depending on the total number and timing of a franchisor that violates the prohibition without an exception (Sec. 1-2).

• Prohibits brands from pressuring franchisees to accept a religious day operation requirement as part of a contract amendment or renewal (Sec. 1-2).

• Specifies that the provision of this bill shall take effect beginning May 7, 2025 (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text