The Senate Judiciary Committee of California is scheduled to consider a franchising bill at a hearing scheduled for Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at 1:30 p.m.  If passed by California's legislature (the State Assembly and Senate), SB 610 would amend the California Franchise Relations Act ("CFRA") as follows:

• The parties to a franchise relationship would be required to deal with one another in good faith (essentially, making the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing an express statutory requirement); and

• Franchisors (or subfranchisors) would be prohibited from restricting a franchisee from joining or participating in an association of franchisees.

SB 610 would also amend the CFRA by permitting a franchisee to sue a franchisor or subfranchisor who violates the CFRA for damages, rescission, or other relief deemed appropriate by a court.  Moreover, SB 610 would authorize a court in its discretion to award treble (3 times) damages to the suing franchisee, as well as reasonable costs and attorney's fees. 

For more information about SB 610 and a copy of the full text of the bill, visit www.leginfo.ca.gov.  A live audio / video feed may be available during the hearing at http://www.calchannel.com/.