PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.
H.R.448 / 103rd Congress

Federal Fair Franchising Practices Act of 1993

Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Competitiveness.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 6, 1993

Federal Fair Franchising Practices Act of 1993 - Provides that a franchise shall include an implied duty by a party to the franchise to act in good faith in the performance and enforcement of the rights and duties established in the franchise, including an obligation, in making a decision or in exercising a power that directly affects the franchise or the franchised business concerned, to give due and equal regard to an interest of any other such party that is likely to be affected by the decision made or the power exercised. Requires the franchisor to exercise the skill and knowledge normally possessed by franchisors in good standing in similar communities or trade areas, unless the franchisor: (1) represents that it has greater skill or knowledge; or (2) conspicuously disclaims that it has the normal skill or knowledge. Specifies that such duty may not be disclaimed or qualified by agreement or by conduct, but a franchisor may by written agreement define specifically the nature and scope of its skill or knowledge and of its undertaking with a franchisee. Bars a franchisor from: (1) inhibiting its franchisees from forming an association or from associating with other franchisees for any lawful purpose; and (2) penalizing a franchisee for organizing or participating in an association of franchisees. Prohibits (with exceptions) a franchisor from placing, or licensing another to place, a new outlet in unreasonable proximity to an established franchised outlet if specified conditions are met. Bars a franchisor from discriminating against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or physical handicap. Authorizes a party to a franchise who is injured or likely to be injured by a violation or impending violation of this Act or of Federal provisions relating to disclosure requirements and prohibitions concerning franchising and business opportunity ventures to bring an action for relief in a court of competent jurisdiction.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
PlainBill analysis is coming later. This page presents official source data. We have not yet published a PlainBill explanation for this bill.

Who introduced it

Rep. Ackerman, Gary L. [D-NY-5] · D–NY

Committees

  • Energy and Commerce Committee
0 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

    Actions

    A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

    1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Competitiveness.

    2. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

    3. Introduced in House

    4. Introduced in House

    Bill text & related measures

    Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

    Related bills identified by Congress.gov

    No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

    Source last updated: Aug 26, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

    Explore the bill from different angles

    Choose a perspective, copy a prompt, and paste it into your preferred AI. Each prompt includes the bill version and available official source links, and asks for counterarguments as well as supporting evidence.

    Neutral evidence review

    Objective

    Analyze H.R.448 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

    View full prompt & sources
    Fairness and public impact

    Progressive lens

    Examine H.R.448 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

    View full prompt & sources
    Institutions and government scope

    Conservative lens

    Examine H.R.448 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

    View full prompt & sources
    Individual rights and government power

    Liberty lens

    Examine H.R.448 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

    View full prompt & sources