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VA SB240

Bill

Status

Engrossed

2/5/2026

Primary Sponsor

Chris Head

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Requires all retail franchise agreements in Virginia to be governed by Virginia law, regardless of any choice-of-law provisions in the contract
  • Prohibits franchise agreements from restricting a franchisee's right to engage in retail business after the franchise terminates or expires (bans post-termination non-compete clauses)
  • Allows a limited exception for non-compete restrictions of up to two years when a franchisee voluntarily sells their franchise to a third party or back to the franchisor at a mutually agreed price
  • Applies only to franchise agreements entered into, extended, or amended on or after July 1, 2026; existing contracts remain unaffected
  • Covers franchises requiring a place of business in Virginia with franchise fees of $500 or more

Legislative Description

Retail franchise agreements; governing law, competition restrictions.

Last Action

Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (SB240)

3/12/2026

Committee Referrals

Labor and Commerce: Subcommittee #22/24/2026
Labor and Commerce2/12/2026
Commerce and Labor1/12/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available