{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-introduces-legislation-empower-franchise-owners-0", "Schakowsky Introduces Legislation to Empower Franchise Owners", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Democrat", "House", "IL", "Janice D. Schakowsky", "S001145", "schakowsky.house.gov", "schakowsky", "https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Full Text of Bill (PDF)\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014 Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Ranking Member of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, reintroduced the Franchisee Freedom Act. This legislation ensures that small business owners who enter into franchise agreements with big corporations will be afforded the opportunity to address claims against the franchisor, putting them on a level playing field.\n\n\"Franchisors can be a lifeline for those looking to create their own American dream. Unfortunately, due to a weak rule and even weaker enforcement of the Federal Trade Commission's Franchise Rule, that dream can turn into a nightmare, one in which they are under the thumb of a predatory corporation,\u201d said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. \u201cThat is why it is imperative for franchisees that we pass this legislation, which provides small business owners harmed by violations of the Franchise Rule with the means to recover from the harm done.\"\n\n\"I appreciate Rep. Schakowsky for introducing the Franchisee Freedom Act. Full and proper disclosure is foundational to the success of franchising. This legislation would hold franchisors responsible for violations of the FTC Franchise Rule by allowing harmed franchisees their fundamental right to court access to mitigate their claims,\" said Keith R. Miller, Principal, Franchisee Advocacy Consulting.\n\nThe Franchise Rule gives prospective purchasers of franchises the material information they need to weigh the risks and benefits of such an investment.\n\nThis legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Hank Johnson (GA-04).\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD), Barkley Franchisee Association (Central Bark), Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA), Domino\u2019s Franchisee Association, Dunkin Donuts Independent Franchise Owners, Envy Owners\u2019 Association (Massage Envy), Fair Franchising Initiative, Griswold Homecare\u00ae Franchisee Association, Independent Association of BNI Franchisees, Independent Association of Clean Juice\u00ae Franchisees, Independent Association of Cleaning Authority\u00ae Franchisees, Independent Association of Fantastic Sams\u00ae Franchisees, Independent Association of Fetch! Pet Care Franchisees, Independent Association of Goddard School\u00ae Franchisees, Independent Association of Grand Welcome\u00ae Franchisees, Independent Association of Home Instead Franchisees, Independent Association of I Heart Mac & Cheese Franchisees, International Association of Kumon Franchisees, Independent Association of The Little Gym Franchisees, Independent Association of Music Go Round\u00ae Franchisees, Independent Association of PJ\u2019s Coffee Franchisees, Independent Association of Woodhouse Spas\u00ae Franchisees, Maine Franchise Owners Association, National Franchisee Association (Burger King), National Jack in the Box Franchisee Association, North American Association of Subway\u00ae Franchisees, National TUPSSO Franchise Owners Association (UPS Stores), Pearle Vision\u00ae Franchisee Association, Pit Owners Association (Dickey\u2019s BBQ), Reform Lodging, and Taco Time Franchisee Association.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-introduces-legislation-empower-franchise-owners-0"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 7.693243212997913, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}