HB671 Summary: Jefferson County Wine Franchise Jobs Protection Act

• Establishes regulatory framework for wine supplier-wholesaler relationships in Jefferson County to maintain competition, preserve jobs, and ensure a stable 3-tier distribution system.

• Requires written agreements between suppliers and wholesalers designating exclusive sales territories; prohibits suppliers from price-fixing, coercing wholesalers, or requiring purchase of unwanted products.

• Restricts supplier termination of agreements unless good cause exists with 60 days' notice; wholesalers have 30 days to submit corrective action plans and 120 days to cure noncompliance.

• Allows wholesaler business transfers to designated family members without supplier approval, or to other qualified buyers if they meet nondiscriminatory, material, and reasonable standards; suppliers must not unreasonably delay approval.

• Provides civil remedies for violations including actual damages, court costs, attorney fees, and punitive damages for bad faith conduct; disputes proceed through optional arbitration or courts in Jefferson County or Northern District of Alabama.