Massachusetts Law Tabled; Vermont Vote Upcoming

Massachusetts has tabled a law similar to California’s proposed “Level Playing Field of Small Businesses Act,” discussed in the previous issue of our Franchise Law Newsletter. Senate Bill No. 1843 would allow a franchisor to be held liable for damages if it developed a new location that adversely impacted an existing franchisee. The bill was tabled for study by the Committee on Senate Ethics and Rules.

In Vermont, a similar bill is expected to be voted upon within the coming year. House Bill No. 694 would prohibit franchisors from placing a new franchise outlet within “unreasonable proximity” of an existing location. SGR’s Franchise and Distribution Group will track the progress of these bills and provide updates as they become available.